$4,150 Raised for Slain Officer’s Family

Residents raised $4,150 for the family of slain Police Officer Michael Clark on Saturday by soaping and scrubbing nearly 400 cars during a midday carwash and bake sale.

“It was nonstop,” said Brian Troop, president of Troop Real Estate, which organized the effort. About 50 volunteers, including Troop Real Estate employees, Simi Valley police officers and employees from Aspen Mortgage were among those wielding a hose or sponge.

In addition to washing cars, volunteers also sold brownies, cookies and cakes, the proceeds of which will be given to Clark’s widow this week.

“It went incredibly [well],” Troop said. “People were coming by and giving cash donations. We got a check for $410 from an ex-dispatcher of the Police Department.”

Troop’s company decided to launch the fund-raising drive after Clark’s death two weeks ago. The 28-year-old officer was shot in the back Aug. 4 after responding to a call at the home of schoolteacher Daniel Allan Tuffree. Clark is survived by his wife, Jenifer, and a 4-month-old son.

Troop Real Estate employees plan to give the money they raised Saturday to Jenifer Clark at a small presentation at the company’s Los Angeles Avenue office Tuesday.

“We started planning it about a week and a half ago,” Troop said. “We were able to get donations for buckets and hoses . . . it was a big effort.”