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What it means to be “PSP Strong” for state troopers’ wives

This t-shirt sale is more than just another fundraiser. It’s part of something bigger. “This is a sisterhood that I am truly blessed to be a part in...

This t-shirt sale is more than just another fundraiser. It's part of something bigger.

"This is a sisterhood that I am truly blessed to be a part in," said Dawn Packer, organizer of the fundraiser and wife of a Pennsylvania State Trooper.

A bond so close, it's hard to believe that it came from such tragedy.

"It's been stressful, beyond stressful. It's been a nightmare for all of us involved," said Amy Lamm, wife of a Pennsylvania State Trooper.

That nightmare ended with Eric Frein's capture last month.

"My kids have cried themselves to sleep because daddy's been gone that entire time, with worry," Lamm said.

Amy Lamm's husband was part of the search for the entire 48 days. With her husband gone, Lamm and other trooper wives found comfort in each other. Part of that, was through fundraising.

"It's because of the community support and the public support and family and friends that have gotten us to where we are," she added. They've now sold more than 30,000 t-shirts. All of the money raised will help the families of fallen Corporal Bryon Dickson and injured Pennsylvania State Trooper Alex Douglass.

The search became a struggle not only for the wives of the troopers but for investigators as well. "We didn't know how long it would take to find him but we were in it for the long haul, we were very committed, our people were determined and we were going to be there until he was found," said Lt. Col. George Bivens, Deputy Commissioner of Operations with the Pennsylvania State Police.

The nearly two-month long search cost the state $11 million dollars -- an invaluable reminder Lamm says -- of what state troopers do every day. "You can't put a price on something like that. I think the state police and all law enforcement involved have done a tremendous job on what they did and they would have done it for anybody."

"We lost part of our family up there and we're still hoping and praying for the full recovery of Trooper Douglass," reaffirmed Lt. Col. Bivens.

Douglass and his family, Lamm says, are overwhelmed with the support.

If you'd like to purchase a t-shirt or support the fund, click on the following link: http://pspstrong.com/

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