$25K Donated To Shop With A Cop In Eric Mumaw's Memory

NASHVILLE, TN -- Every year, the Metro Nashville Police Department's Shop With A Cop program gives dozens of underprivileged children a chance to do a little holiday shopping.

Among the program's most enthusiastic participants was Officer Eric Mumaw, who drowned in February as he saved a suicidal woman who had driven her car into the Cumberland River. In fact, at Mumaw's funeral, MNPD Chief Steve Anderson shared the story of 11-year-old Xavier Maffei, who was paired with Mumaw during the event last Christmas.

Xavier told Channel 4 he got some helicopters and a basketball goal.

"He was a good man. I wish he was my father and stuff," Xavier said. "Because he inspired me to grow up and stuff and be a better man."

That, the chief said, was better than any medal.

"No one could receive any higher honor or tribute than this child gave Eric Mumaw, the police officer and the man," he said.

In Mumaw's honor, the 100 Club Of Nashville donated $25,000 to this year's Shop With A Cop. The 100 Club was founded in 1979 and provides financial assistance to the families of police, firefighters and EMTs killed or severely injured in the line of duty.

Photo via Metro Nashville Police