MCKINNEY, Texas — At a family-owned Italian restaurant in McKinney, employees at Sicily's kept busy on Wednesday. The orders kept coming in and the cooking was nonstop.
Each meal served helped 27-year-old McKinney police officer Adam Hamilton. He is a regular at Sicily's. Owner Eddie Saliu said he visits around twice a week.
In late January, Saliu found out Hamilton had seizures on the job. The whole community soon learned it was caused by a brain tumor.
WFAA met Hamilton last summer, after he helped calm a nervous young boy during a traffic stop. The 7-year-old boy has a disorder called PANDAS, which causes anxiety.
Now, with Hamilton the one in need of help, the community responded. Half the proceeds at Sicily's on Wednesday went to Hamilton's family – and the restaurant was filled.
Hamilton's law enforcement brother and sisters also set up fundraisers in the restaurant to raise more money. There were raffle ticket and t-shirts for sale with Hamilton's name on the back.
Sergeant Chris Kennedy is the McKinney Police Association 107 President. He's known Hamilton since they trained together five years ago.
"We're praying for you and wish nothing but the best for you guys," Kennedy said.
The same day of this fundraiser, Hamilton underwent brain surgery. His medical bills have been adding up so his colleagues and the community are helping with donations.
Several more events are planned in honor of Officer Adam Hamilton.