The death of Buffalo Police Officer Craig Lehner is triggering an outpouring of support. Officer Lehner died during an training exercise with the Buffalo Police Underwater Recovery Team on the Niagara River. It took searchers five days to locate his body after he became untethered while underwater.
Several buildings have turned on blue lights in honor of the deceased officer.
There is also a huge demand for blue pumpkins that are being painted and distributed by friends, the West Woodside Avenue Block Club and WNY Heroes.
The original idea was started by two military wives in South Buffalo whose husbands are connected to the 105th Military Police Company that Officer Lehner had previously served with.
Demand for the blue pumpkins has exploded with crowds of people trying to get them from locations at 118 West Woodside Ave and 245 South Ogden Street in South Buffalo.
On Saturday, the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence will also be distributing Blue Pumpkins in the officer's memory.
In all cases, people are asked to make whatever donation they can to help the Lehner Family.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly shows us more in his reports.
