At first glance, the block party that took place Saturday near the Walker's Point intersection of W. National Ave. and S. 2nd St. looked like any other summertime street gathering in Milwaukee.

Upon closer inspection, there were two big differences.

For starters, the police, firemen and rescue personnel may have outnumbered the civilians. And, sales of T-shirts seemed to outpace beer pitcher sales.

Neither of those conditions dampened enthusiasm at event, which was dubbed Thank You Milwaukee Police Department Day. The event was a fundraiser for Graham M. Kunisch and Bryan J. Norberg, who were shot near the site June 9 after stopping a man for questioning.

"A lot of people have asked why we're doing this," said Jim Lombardo, an owner of Bell Ambulance who helped organize the event with tavern owner Jerry Steny and Ald. Bob Donovan.

"It's not that the cops don't have insurance. All the main bills are covered. The reason we're raising money is to help with the costs that aren't covered, like having their families come into town to visit them. People don't think about that, but family members may need help with airfare or hotels. We want to have a fund to be able to help."

Lombardo and Steny said that the event, which drew a couple thousand people on roughly a week's notice, could become an annual affair.

"The response has been tremendous," Lombardo said, as people lined up to buy shirts with a Milwaukee police badge, the date and the slogan "True Badge of Courage."

U2 Zoo, a local tribute band, headlined the event. Heat, a band fronted by Milwaukee police officer Kim Pierce, played an early set. Packers cornerback Charles Woodson also made an appearance, posing for pictures with attendees.