Car wash fundraiser held for family of fallen Phoenix police officer

GLENDALE, Ariz. (FOX 10) - It's a busy day at Cobblestone Auto Spa off of Bel Road and the Loop 101 in Glendale as customers dig into their pockets, not for a car wash, but to make a difference.

"It's the right thing to do to help the family," one customer said. "It's a terrible tragedy."

"I do security. I feel it's kind of the same work and I respect what they do and put their lives on the line every night to go serve people they don't even know," another customer said.

Buckets were placed around the car wash, with a photo of fallen Phoenix Police Officer Paul Rutherford on the front, and inside were donations for the family.

"Death is tough, especially at his age and just wanted to help a little bit," a customer said.

At just 51-years-old, Officer Rutheford was killed last Thursday, March 21, while responding to a car accident. He went across the street to answer another call and was hit by a car.

The Maricopa County Memorial Fund has been working with Cobblestone for nearly 10 years, holding fundraisers like this one in a time of need.

"We have 980 team members in our company and everybody is behind supporting this effort," Tuck Bettin said.

"It's amazing how much support, community support when something like this happens," John Barnes said. "They come out last time -- we did over 500 cars."

You can make a donation by visiting www.mcsomemorialfund.com.

Cobblestone will also be taking donations throughout the weekend, even though the event ends today.