Auction benefits children of fallen deputy

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) - Race fans stepped up to help the family of fallen Deputy Suzanne Hopper on Saturday at a benefit auctioning off NASCAR pieces.

Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly served as the auctioneer, raising money for Deputy Hopper's two kids, Charlie and Emily, at the Springfield Youth Baseball Association Hall.

He auctioned off pieces of a car owned by former NASCAR driver Jimmy Means.

The Clark County Sheriff's Office said news of Hopper's death on New Years Day 2011 hit home for Means. He was touched by the loss of Deputy Hopper and wanted to do something. Means then came up with a special decal that he put on his race car to honor the fallen deputy.

Means' team raced with that decal across the country, including at Daytona last year.

It was during that race that the car crashed, damaging it so badly that it couldn't be driven again.

Now the parts are bringing in financial help for the Hopper family.

John Mauer of Clark County attended the auction and purchased the sticker that ran on the car. He said the decal carries sentimental value for him and plans on putting it in his office.

Maurer also bought a commemorative blanket donated by Littleton Rue Funeral Home, which he will give to the Hopper family.

Mauer said, "I just feel it's important that they have all the money they need to continue their education, to grow up and be strong and good citizens and remember their mother in a great light."

If you would like to help, you can donate to Suzanne Hopper Memorial fund at any Huntington National Bank.