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Brewers collecting funds for fallen officer

PHOENIX -- Brewers players and staffers have been contributing to a fund for the family of fallen Phoenix police officer John Hobbs, 43, who was killed in a daytime shootout Tuesday about three miles from Maryvale Baseball Park.

Hobbs, a 21-year veteran of the force, was based at the same Maryvale police precinct that supplies officers for security on Brewers game days. Flags have flown at half staff at the ballpark and around the city all week, and the Brewers held a moment of silence for Hobbs prior to the first game after his death.

"This touches home for us," said bullpen catcher Marcus Hanel, who is in charge of collecting donations. "One of the officers stationed here who I know well was a partner of [Hobbs] from 10 years ago, still friends with the family. We asked if there was any way we could help."

Hanel was directed to PLEA Charities, an arm of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association that provides financial and educational assistance to officers and their families.

A visitation for Hobbs is planned Sunday, and he is to be buried on Monday. The Brewers plan to present their donation to the PLEA later in the week. Fans can also donate via Paypal at AZPLEA.com.

Adam McCalvy is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brew Beat, and follow him on Twitter at @AdamMcCalvy.
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