PARADISE TOWNSHIP -- It was a show of gratitude to the Pocono community Tuesday for all of the volunteer efforts that helped state police and other law enforcement during the seven week search for accused cop killer Eric Frein.
A moving ceremony, with song and prayer was all to thank those men and women who gave their all during the massive manhunt.
"Being Pocono proud, that`s what it means. It`s the heart and soul of this community and I`m just proud to be part of it," said Senator Lisa Baker, (R) 20th District.
Two empty chairs sat at the front of the stage at Pocono Mountain East High School in Swiftwater, one for state police Corporal Bryon Dickson, the other for Trooper Alex Douglass.
It was a solemn reminder of why the manhunt began and why the community stepped up.
"Something that none of us would have ever imagined could have happened in little old Blooming Grove, but unfortunately it did and we`re just very very proud," said Joanna Donahue with the Blooming Grove Township fire police.
During the manhunt ribbons lined the streets and volunteers brought food and supplies by the truckload. Now group after group was thanked.
The Barrett Township fire chief said he's proud of what his department accomplished over that seven week search.
"Full commitment. We went above and beyond past what we`re really out there to do," Chief Grover Cleveland said.
More than 500 individuals were thanked for their service during the manhunt, something many of them say is unnecessary, but something they`re also extremely grateful for.
"We`re volunteers. We do it because we want to be there. We`re doing it from the heart. The recognition is not necessary," Donahue said.
Now, as the community begins to get back to normal, state police will begin coping with the $11 million cost.
"If they can`t, they`ll have to work though the new governor and the new governor`s office to seek a supplemental appropriation. That`s not uncommon with manmade or natural disasters,"
Senator Baker said.