SOUTH HILLS, Pa. -- Historic events affect people in different ways -- people like Jennifer Ciptak, who will never forget the day she learned three Pittsburgh police officers were killed in the line of duty.

As a mother and concerned citizen, Ciptak feels a connection to the three Pittsburgh police officers killed in the line of duty April 4.

Friday, the Scott Township community held the first “Honor Your Local Heroes” police appreciation night, an event that gave people in the community the chance to show their support and respect for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day.

"I hope it sends the message that we care,” said Ciptak. “There are so many people that care about them, and we realize that they lost a part of their family."