ERIN, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Erin Town Tavern was filled with community spirit as locals gathered to support Michael Theetge, an officer injured in the line of duty. The benefit event featured live music, raffles, an auction, and a mouthwatering chicken barbecue.

"We are doing a benefit for officer Michael Theetge who was injured in the line of duty," says the owner of Erin Town Tavern, Melissa Knowles. "We are just trying to raise some funds for him and his family and all of the costs they have accumulated throughout this process."

Michael Theetge was injured on March 29th while working on a retail theft detail. He was struck by a car that sped off in the Big Flats Target Parking lot, leaving him with significant injuries.

The community came together to show their support and help raise funds for Theetge's recovery.

"We are so honored to be a part of this community and to just help them out. I think that it's a beautiful thing to be part of a community where we all help each other out. Heather and her team have done a tremendous job of putting this whole thing together," added Knowles.

Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment and good for, all for a good cause. The event not only raised funds but also presented the strength of Chemung County in times of need.

Michael Theetge's mom Linda, says she couldn't ask for anything more for her son. Linda added, "he is lucky to be in the community he is in."

"I can tell you now that I have had the most Horrifying day of my life happened to me," said Linda Theetge.  "I'll go back and say family first. Family is the most important thing. It doesn't matter what you have, how much you have of it. If you have your family, that's all that matters. And that's all I want. That's all I want to take away from this. I got that. I got my son back. He's alive and He is, he's tough. He really is Michael Theetge strong and he's going to come back full force."

Linda's message to everyone going through a hard time is to remember that if you have your family, that is all that maters. The benefit took place on Sunday, June 9th from noon until 9 p.m. and was open to the whole community.

The last update the community received about Michael Theetge was on May 15th when a Facebook post shared by the Chemung County Sheriff's Office said he was being released from in-patient rehab to continue treatment with out-patient rehab.