FLORISSANT, MO (KTVI)-Florissant residents thankful for the bravery of their first responders held a block party fundraiser Saturday to benefit a police officer paralyzed in shooting.

Hundreds of fellow police officers and firefighters joined the effort to assist Officer Mike Vernon, 33.

“When a fellow officer is in need, it is just like my own brother is in need,” said one officer who came from Berkeley.

Officer Vernon was shot three times early Memorial Day morning by a burglary suspect who ambushed him.  He sustained a spinal cord injury and gunshot wounds to his lungs

Florissant firefighter and paramedic Zach Krato marveled at the benefit turnout. 

“This is amazing.  I expected something great, but this is beyond that,” he said as he stood beneath a giant American flag suspended over the block party from a department hook and ladder truck.

Founded by Alex Scott (1996-2004) in 2004, Lemonade Days is a three-day national event that grew out of Alex's front yard lemonade stand, and is held every year over the same June weekend.

During Lemonade Days, dedicated volunteers host thousands of Alex's Lemonade Stands across the country, raising over $1 million for childhood cancer research in one weekend.

June 2012 will mark the 9th Annual Lemonade Days with an estimated 10,000 volunteers at over 2,000 Alex’s Lemonade Stands around the nation making a difference for children with cancer. Lemonade Days 2012 is set for June 8, 9 and 10!

Creve Coeur, Missouri

Yogoluv Creve Coeur, a premium frozen yogurt bar, will host their 2nd Annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand as part of the National Lemonade Days weekend from Friday, June 8, 2012 - Sunday, June 10, 2012, from 12 – 7:30 p.m. 12520 Olive Blvd. Creve Coeur, Missouri.

A Florissant man was arrested after pointing a handgun at people on two consecutive days outside the StudioPlus Deluxe Studios, an extended stay hotel at 155 Chapel Ridge Road in Hazelwood.