Sheri and David Dennis wanted to do what they could for the loved ones of slain police officer Austin Abdelnabi.
So, they were among hundreds of people who came out to a fundraiser benefiting Abdelnabi’s family at a west Las Vegas coin store on Saturday.
“We think it’s important to support our local and national law enforcement,” Sheri Dennis said. “Their work is underappreciated, and we want them to know that we support them in both the good times and the tragic times.”
Attendees, including police officers, state troopers, firefighters and community members, gathered outside Nevada Coin Mart to raise money for the family of Abdelnabi, a Metropolitan Police Department officer who was gunned down in the line of duty on Aug. 4.
The fundraiser, held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the store parking lot on South Jones Boulevard at West Flamingo Road, featured wristbands and T-shirts bearing Abdelnabi’s badge number and his start- and end-of-watch dates.
Organizers with the Injured Police Officers Fund, which hosted the event, also accepted cash donations and said all proceeds will go to Abdelnabi’s family.
The 30-year-old officer, a South Carolina native, graduated from Clemson University before joining Metro in 2023. Abdelnabi, a decorated Marine Corps veteran, was remembered by friends and family at a funeral service Friday as devoted to his loved ones, outspoken and endearingly stubborn.
He is survived by his wife, parents, two brothers and a sister. Organizers said Abdelnabi’s family was unable to attend the fundraiser.
A flag bearing Abdelnabi’s photo was displayed on a table, where attendees wrote messages to his family in silver and gold markers.
The Dennises wore “Back the Blue” T-shirts and hats as they purchased merchandise under a pop-up tent in the parking lot. They said they had no personal or immediate family ties to law enforcement, but felt compelled to offer condolences.
Alexander Cuevas, president of the Injured Police Officers Fund, said support for Abdelnabi’s family over the past week has been overwhelming.
“No amount of money will bring him back, but we hope that this will help,” said Cuevas, a sergeant with the North Las Vegas Police Department.
Cuevas said the man who created the wristbands that were for sale at the fundraiser is from the same South Carolina county as Abdelnabi. He stayed up overnight to finish them and shipped them the day after the officer died.
“I’ve collected so many of these wristbands over the years, and I know officers who have entire sleeves of them,” Cuevas said. “It’s a sign of support, and it’s wonderful to see everyone come together.”
Contact Akiya Dillon at adillon@reviewjournal.com.
