Hudson Business Holds Fundraiser In Honor Of Trooper Thomas Clardy

HUDSON (CBS) – A fundraiser was held Saturday night in honor of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Thomas Clardy, who was killed during a traffic stop on the Mass. Pike in Charlton.

Roller Kingdom in Clardy's hometown of Hudson hosted the fundraiser.

Photos: Trooper Thomas Clardy Laid To Rest In Hudson

The event, which ran from 6-to-8 p.m., cost $10 and included skate rentals. All proceeds benefit the Clardy family.

"It hit home with me. I'm the father of two daughters. I couldn't imagine what his family's going through, and I just brainstormed and tried to think of something to do (for them)" event organizer Rick Rogers told WBZ-TV's Jim Smith on Saturday night.

Trooper Clardy was a father of seven children, and most of the families at the fundraiser have kids who are friends of his children.

"It's an amazing community," says Erin Bratica, whose children know some of Clardy's kids. "When there's a tragedy for all of us to group together like we have to support this family...it's just what Hudson's about."

Clardy was laid to rest this week in Hudson during a funeral that was attended by police officers from around the country.

The veteran trooper was conducting a traffic stop when a car driven by David Njuguna slammed into the back of his cruiser. Njuguna is facing charges following the crash.

Police have warned residents to be cautious where they donate to Clardy fundraisers. State Police were investigating a scam where someone was claiming to be raising funds for the family by going door-to-door in Tewksbury.

The two official funds are The Clardy Children's Fun and The Greg Hill Foundation.

The Clardy Children's Fund
C/O Avidia Bank
42 Main St.
Hudson, MA 01749

WBZ-TV's Jim Smith contributed to this report.