Honoring Fallen Deputies, Abingdon Panera Donates $67K to Harford Sheriff Fund

ABINGDON, MD – The Panera in Abingdon presented a $67,000 check to the Harford County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, which was the result of a recent fundraiser, officials said.

The eatery donated proceeds from the second weekend in March to the Harford County Deputy Sheriff's Union Benevolent Fund in a show of support for the agency after its officers responded to a call for service at the restaurant Feb. 10 that ultimately left two of its deputies deceased at the hands of a gunman who also died.

During the fundraiser, the Abingdon Panera saw 4,000 people come through its doors on Saturday, March 12, which was one of its busiest days and among the busiest days in the Panera franchise as a whole, The Aegis reported. Many diners reportedly came from surrounding areas, including out of state, for the event.

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Panera presented the check from the fundraiser the day after Harford Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler announced some findings from the investigation into the deadly incident. He said the idea behind releasing the information was to keep the community apprised, noting it did not equate to moving on from what happened.

"There will be no closure," Gahler said at a press conference Tuesday. "This is the darkest day in 242 years for the Harford County Sheriff's Office. There's no closure coming."

While the facts of the case have not provided solace, support from the community has.

Since the loss of Senior Deputy Patrick Dailey and Deputy First Class Mark Logsdon, the sheriff's office has repeatedly expressed its overwhelming gratitude for the gestures of kindness, from cards to roadside memorials.

Upon receiving this latest acknowledgment—the check from Panera—the sheriff's office said in a statement: "We continue to be humbled by the outpouring of support from our Harford County Community."

• Harford Sheriff: 'We Are Honored to Serve This Community'
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Photo Credit: Harford County Sheriff's Office.