NORFOLK, Va. - It's been two weeks since the tragic death of 24-year-old Newport News Police Officer Katie Thyne, who was killed during a traffic stop on January 23rd.
Since her untimely death, the community and nation has come together in a variety of ways to help Thyne's family cope with the sudden loss.
Recently, a Norfolk widow has gotten involved. Rebekah Broadbent was actually at Thyne's memorial service Monday night: a solemn reminder of her own fallen hero.
"One of the hardest moments to watch is when the widow is handed that folded flag," Broadbent said. "There is just so much meaning behind it."
Her husband Brian Jones, a Norfolk Police officer, was killed in the line of duty six years ago during a shootout.
"He was the most giving man," she said. "He was loving, he loved God, community, and family."
Broadbent knows the pain currently crippling Thyne's family and her 2-year-old daughter Raegan.
"From my personal experience, knowing what people did for me and my family, I just felt compelled to give back," she said.
So she is working with Honor a Hero Project, selling memorial T-shirts to honor Thyne.
"So far we have raised more than $28,000; that will go to a trust for Raegan," Broadbent explained. "There is no amount of money that will ever give Raegan her mommy back, but it will help her get through life."
Since Honor a Hero launched in 2017, 14 states across the nation have supported and honored heroes like Thyne and Jones. Over 40 families have been helped and over $150,000 has been raised.
"We hope when Raegan grows up she will be able to look back and see pictures and news stories of people who stepped forward to buy shirts to honor her mom," Broadbent said.
The T-shirt is $24 and can be purchased here.
