Diners turned out in droves at restaurants in Biddeford Wednesday as part of a fundraiser for a fallen police officer.

Sgt. Jake Wolterbeek died in a car accident on his way home from work in December, leaving a wife and three children.

On Wednesday, city officials both past and present, led by Mayor Martin Grohman, held Mayors Night Out, a fundraiser for Wolterbeek’s family.

Ore Nell’s Barbecue on Franklin Street was one of the 14 participating restaurants. On Wednesday night, the venue was packed full of diners, including Grohman and former Mayor Alan Casavant. Current and retired police officers were also among the diners. Biddeford Police officers in uniform also dropped by to pick up food in to-go boxes. 

William Myska, the restaurant’s part-owner, said he didn’t know Wolterbeek personally, but was close to someone who grew up with him. When Myska learned of Wolterbeek’s death, he said he was eager to do something to help.

“It benefits the family, first and foremost,” he said.

The fund is being managed by the Trooper Black Foundation, a nonprofit that aids police officers and their families.  

Tables and the bar at Ore Nell’s Wednesday were adorned with cards featuring a QR code that patrons could scan to visit the foundation’s website to donate to the fund. In addition, Myska said his restaurant plans to donate 20% of its sales for the evening. 

Myska said the restaurant is rarely so full on a Wednesday, and Wolterbeek’s father, Jake Wolterbeek VIII, said it speaks to how well-known and liked his son was in the city.

“We couldn’t have been prouder of him, and to learn about the impact that he made with so many people,” he said. “He had an amazing group of people that he worked with at the Biddeford PD. He loved the Biddeford PD. He loved the work that they did. He loved his fellow officers and he loved the community.”

On Thursday, exact figures on the funds raised were unavailable, but Grohman has said he hopes to raise at least $25,000 for Wolterbeek’s family. 

Anyone wishing to donate to the fund may still do so through Feb. 15 on the Trooper Black Foundation’s website, which can be reached by clicking here.