The police are often an overlooked arm of the community, there to protect citizens when in need and often putting themselves in harm's way.

Aberdeen residents now have a chance to lend a hand in return, to assist an officer in need.

Aberdeen police Det. Mark Franklin is battling non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, and some in the city are coming to his aid.

"We are desperately trying to raise funds for the many medical bills not covered by insurance," Jason Bell, of the Aberdeen Police Auxiliary, wrote in an email to Patch.

The first event starts at 8 p.m. Saturday (March 24) at the Clarion Hotel—a comedy show featuring Chris Ables, Marvain Wall, Timmy Hall and Warren Brooks. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35 per person, including a dinner buffet, desert, coffee, iced tea, water and a cash bar. They can be purchased online at www.FOP128.com or at the Aberdeen Sunoco.

The second event is a Bull & Shrimp Roast from 7 p.m. until midnight on Saturday, April 21 at the American Legion Post on North Parke Street.

The event will feature DJ Will "The Thrill" Reiber, raffles, a money wheel, silent auction, beer and wine.

Tickets are $40 per person, available at www.FOP128.com or at AutoPros of Aberdeen.

Tickets for both events are also available by calling 443-752-5816.