Memorial Basketball Classic To Benefit Children Of Fallen Officers, Firefighter

By Kristen Johanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Emergency personnel and the community will come together to shoot hoops to benefit fallen heroes in the Philadelphia Police and Fire Department.

The Fallen Heroes Memorial Basketball Classic will raise money for the children of Police officers Lamar Poole, Rafael Ali, Sgt. Robert Wilson III, and Firefighter Lt. Joyce Craig.

"Each one of them had small kids, and it's around holiday times, and their fathers, their mother is not around," said Officer Brian Graves.

Officer Graves is the organizer and says they chose basketball because it's a game everyone can play.

"People love basketball. It gathers a lot of people to come together."

Each of these first responders died in the line of duty, within the last year.

"We just want to give back to show the family that -- they didn't die in vain.  Everything they did, they honored the city of Philadelphia."

The tournament takes place at Edison High School, on W. Luzerne Street from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., with a showdown between the fire and police department taking place at 3 p.m.

If you cannot attend the event, but would like to donate, you can visit www.fallenheroesmemorialfund.org/