Mayor Don Murphy announced during a press conference Feb. 1 that an estimated $144,000 has been raised in 20 days toward retiring the mortgage of the Davis family home.

The Davis Family Mortgage Retirement Fund was established in the memory of fallen Pelham Police officer Philip Davis, who was gunned down Dec. 4, and the money raised will go towards retiring the home of Davis’ wife, Paula, and their two children.

Murphy previously announced a goal of raising $200,000 in 20 days to get the fundraiser going, and the deadline expired Jan. 31.

Murphy said the fund currently has $117,000, and estimated $27,000 has been raised and will soon be deposited.

However, Murphy said just because that deadline has passed, the ultimate goal of raising the $200,000 towards retiring the mortgage has not been met and that effort will continue until it is accomplished.

“Our goal is still there,” Murphy said. “We’re well on our way to our goal. It’s going to happen.”

Murphy thanked all those who have supported the effort, especially Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry, who presented a check for $20,000 during the Monday press conference.

Curry organized an effort and thanked all those who helped, including the Shelby County Chaplains Association, employees of the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies from all over Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Not only did donations come from all over the Southeast, but Pelham Police Chief Tommy Thomas said the department even received a $500 check from the Jackson (Wyo.) Police Department, which consist of just 22 members.

“That’s the kind of support we’ve been receiving,” Thomas said. “It’s really heartwarming to see the community and law enforcement come together. We cannot thank you enough.”

Although Thomas said there is still work to be done, he said it is an investment that is worth making.

“This is the most important investment of your life,” Thomas said. “You’re making an investment in the lives of Paula and her children.”

Thomas also said that not only has the effort been a blessing to the Davis family, but it has also been a huge blessing for the Pelham Police Department family as it still continues to mourn.

“We were overwhelmed. We didn’t realize how generous the people are,” Thomas said. “Without this outpouring of support from everyone, we would be in worse shape.”