Hundreds turn out for fundraiser as two injured deputies continue recovery efforts

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of people supported two Milwaukee County Sheriff's deputies that were injured in the line of duty.

Hundreds of supporters packed Dugout 54 in Milwaukee throughout the day. The fundraiser supported Deputy Christian Almonte and Deputy Chris Grissom, whose roads to recovery have not always been easy.

Deputy Almonte said he's "Physically feeling alright. Mentally there's some anxiety coming back to work, but it's been great."

Deputy Grissom said, "It's been tough. I'm still going through treatment. Still trying to recover."

But the deputies say days like Saturday help. Deputy Almonte said, "It shows support not just to me and Grissom, but to every deputy in this room."

In December 2019, Deputy Grissom was pinned under a sign board after a semi crashed and caused a chain reaction. He said, "I'm just taking it one day at a time. There's a lot going on with recovery and all that. It's still a long road ahead."

Deputy Almonte was shot in the line of duty back in January, and just this week returned to work at the office. He said, "The amount of support I got when I got back, this entire week has been great back in the office, being able to see the deputies again."

The Milwaukee Deputy Sheriff's Association organized the event. Deputy Carlos Bruno said, "We haven't had a function like this since COVID for the past two years, so basically it's a benefit to shed some light on some unfortunate events."

Dozens of items were donated for silent auction, including rounds of golf, concert tickets, camping packages, food & drinks. The Brewers donated a few ticket packages and signed jerseys.

Deputy Anthony Galewski said, "There are a lot of things here and that's really nice to see so I'm going to have to make another pass through and see what stands out."

Earlier in the day a biker club dropped off a cash donation, t-shirts were sold to raise money, and there was a 50/50 raffle.

Deputy Galewski said, "Everyone that's showing up and donating things in support of them… it's a huge motivation for us to keep doing the things that we do, even on the bad days."

Some people filtered in and out throughout the day while others stayed for the duration. All of them made sure the deputies know they're not alone.

Deputy Almonte said, "That type of support means a lot for us as deputies, and just law enforcement in general."

Deputy Grissom said, "I'm extremely blessed and thankful for all the support from the community and the department. This is awesome."

The money raised at the fundraiser will be split between Deputy Grissom's and Deputy Almonte's recovery efforts.