Hero Thrill Show provides support to families of those killed in the line of duty

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - The annual Hero Thrill Show pays it forward to families of the fallen throughout the Delaware Valley by paying for their children to attend college.

"My son Robert graduated from LaSalle in 2014 and my daughter Nicole is a sophomore at LaSalle," Anne Skerski, the wife of a fallen soldier, said.

Anne Skerski became involved with the hero thrill show after her late husband officer Gary Skerski was killed in the line of duty in May of 2006.

"Your life is turned upside down and thats one thing you don't want to have to worry about - how am I going to get my kids through school - college is so expensive," Skerski said.

John Pawlowski is just 6 years old - one day his college tuition will also be covered through the organization.

"My husband John was killed in in February 2009 when I was pregnant with him - 5 months pregnant," Kimberly Pawlowski said.

Today - tragedy is turned into triumph.

"It's keeping John's memory alive and I think it's important for him to see the city still values police officers," Pawlowski said.

Thousands of people showed up to offer their support...

It's a positive, happy event that survivors say lifts their spirits year after year...

"They never forget our loved ones and they never forget us," Skerski said.

The event is expected to raise a couple hundred thousand dollars, to contribute and learn more about the Hero Thrill Show, visit their website: http://www.herothrillshow.org/ticket-info--donations.html