Money Raised For Family Of Fallen Checotah Asst. Police Chief

People in Checotah held a benefit dinner and auction Friday night to help the family of Assistant Police Chief Justin Durrett.

He was killed in a car crash last month.

2/26/2018 Related Story: Checotah Assistant Police Chief Dies After Being Injured In Traffic Accident

If you mention the name Justin Durrett to almost anyone in his hometown of Checotah, they'll tell you he was a good person, especially if you ask his nine-year-old daughter Ashtyn. 

"He was a good dad he was an assistant chief he had a lot [of] friends everybody loved him, he had a good heart," said Ashtyn.  

Ashtyn was wearing this shirt Friday night that read in part "My Daddy, My Hero."

"It means very special me. It makes me remember my dad," she said. 

Being remembered as a hero is just one of the reasons why hundreds of people showed up to pay tribute to him and raise money for his family. 

Durrett died after he was seriously injured in a traffic accident on the side of Highway 71. Since then, the small town of Checotah has opened up their big hearts to give back. 

"He's a servant and that’s what a policeman is, a servant, and he was a true servant, he's made an impact on a lot of people and he's made an impact on us," said Durrett’s Mother Margaret Prokup. 

Durrett's parents said they are grateful for the community's support. They say Durrett's kids meant the world to him and he wanted to set an example. 

"He was funny … very compassionate. He was a great dad, he loved his kids more than anything," Prokup said.  

His daughter said she will always remember playing around with her dad and wears a necklace close to her heart to remember her dad, her champion. 

"Right here it says my dad, my hero, my angel and it says 25 and his birthstone," Ashtyn said.  

If you're interested in helping the Durrett family, you can make donations at the First Family Credit Union in Checotah.