PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The South Philadelphia Sports Complex was home to the 71st Hero Thrill Show this weekend.

The event featured a cavalcade of police motorcycles, fire engine tours, police k-9’s, mounted patrol, food and games and more.

With the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the families of police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel are the focus now, more than ever.

“You cannot get all of these groups in one place at one time and see this kind of event. It’s the only event of its kind,” said Event coordinator, Lauren Goffredo.

For Officer, Kristin Gondek, it’s a year of firsts.

“You view it and you don’t understand anything about it, you’re just like wow that’s super cool, and to be in it, it’s way cooler,” said Officer Gondek.

It’s her first time participating, and she’s also the first woman member of the Philadelphia Highway Patrol Motorcycle Drill Team.

“The first female, that’s what they say, I’m making history,” said Gondek.

Families young and old crowded around to watch.

“We see all the police officers here and the commissioners all the way over there. It’s the best time ever,” said Aria Galberth.

Families also enjoyed boardwalk style food and games, but like every year, this event has a much deeper meaning and purpose.

Every cent the event brings in goes toward college tuition of children of Philadelphia police and firefighters who died in line of duty.

All three of Judy Cassidy’s children benefitted.

“When something like this happens, your first thought is, how am I going to go on? How am I going to put my kids through school, through college. It’s awful,” said Cassidy. “But when you have people who are willing to do something like this, it’s huge.”

Her husband, Chuck Cassidy, a Philadelphia Police officer died while working in 2007.

“There are times still emotional, like, I never get over this, you know?” said Cassidy.

Cassidy says events like the Hero Thrill Show always brings her and so many other families who share similar stories together.

“When we all get together, we laugh and we have fun. Always fun getting together with everybody,” said Cassidy.

This event is the organization’s biggest fundraiser.

Since 2006, they’ve helped put at least 50 kids through school.

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