BUFFALO, N.Y. — Nearly two years ago Buffalo Police Officer Craig Lehner disappeared in the Niagara River during a dive training exercise with the department's Underwater Recovery Team, a special event was held in South Buffalo to honor his life and support law enforcement.
Dozens of little blue pumpkins with little paw prints brought dozens of people out to the Blue Pumpkins for K9 event on Saturday. All the money raised benefits the Buffalo Police Department's K9 unit in honor of Lehner, who was very involved with K9 officers.
"He was a close friend of my husband and served in the military with him so I painted some pumpkins, brought them down to the river to hand out to family friends and then it kinda just took off," said Allison Milligan, a friend of Lehner.
Milligan added, "I just think it's really important that we support law enforcement and by taking home a pumpkin and putting it on your porch you're showing support for law enforcement."
The event also included a meet and greet with officers both human and K9.
Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo spoke with 2 On Your Side about remembering Lehner and other fallen officers. Watch the interview below:
