The St. Louis Police Sergeant who survived an ambush made his first public appearance Wednesday night at the 30th Annual Guns 'N Hoses event.
Just three days after he was shot in the line of duty, Sergeant Tom Lake received an emotional ovation during the event raising money for Backstoppers.
It took no words, to remind the crowd why they came. Three days after he was ambushed and shot twice in the face, Lake brought 18,038 people to their feet, a record turn-out for the event.
That was just one of many emotional moments at Wednesday's boxing event at the Scottrade Center.
Just back from rehab in Colorado, Ballwin officer Mike Flamion showed up to offer support to a community he says has done the same for him, since he was shot in the back on a traffic stop in July. The shooting left him paralyzed. But Flamion says he insists on moving forward.
"I think I'm doing pretty well compared to what's happened to some of my other brothers and sisters," Flamion said.
The event was opened by the wife of Blake Snyder, the officer shot and killed in Ballwin earlier this year.
The event added to the $5.5 million the organization has raised in the 30 years since its founding.
Three stories of service and sacrifice. Honored for a night by a community that's promised its support for a lifetime.
If you would like to donate to Backstoppers, visit their website.
