Beyond the Shine: Community Rallies to Support Family of Fallen Officer

TEMPE, AZ – January 16, 2026 – In a heartfelt display of community solidarity, Cobblestone Auto Spa has announced a major fundraising initiative to support the family of fallen Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Detention Officer Lieutenant Rory Milligan. The event, scheduled for this coming Tuesday, aims to provide direct financial assistance to the lieutenant's loved ones, transforming a routine service into a powerful act of collective support.

The gesture underscores a growing trend of local businesses stepping forward to anchor community responses in times of tragedy, providing a tangible way for residents to contribute and show their gratitude for the sacrifices made by public servants.

A Community Call to Action

On Tuesday, January 20, the Cobblestone Auto Spa at 9969 South Priest Drive in Tempe will become a focal point for community generosity. From 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the location will donate 100% of the proceeds from every single car wash—both full service and express—directly to the Milligan family. This eight-hour window offers a direct and simple way for the public to participate.

"Officer Rory Milligan’s dedication, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten," said Ryan Cahill, VP of Operations for Cobblestone Auto Spa, in a statement. "As a company rooted in this community, we feel it’s our responsibility and privilege to support his family during this difficult time."

Recognizing that not everyone can make it to the Tempe location, the company has extended the opportunity to contribute across its entire network. All other Cobblestone Auto Spa locations throughout Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon will be accepting open donations. This ensures that the spirit of giving is not confined to a single place or time, allowing a broader community to express its support.

Furthermore, for those who wish to contribute but are unable to visit a physical location, donations can be made online through the MCSO Memorial Fund's official website at www.mcsomemorialfund.org. This partnership ensures that all funds, whether collected in person or online, are channeled efficiently and securely to the family.

Honoring a Life of Service Through Trusted Support

The fundraiser is more than a financial effort; it is a tribute to Lieutenant Milligan's service and a profound acknowledgment of the void his loss leaves behind. While the community grieves, the focus has swiftly turned to providing a lifeline for the family navigating an unimaginable future. The partnership with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Memorial Fund is a critical component of this effort, providing donors with confidence and transparency.

The MCSO Memorial Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a singular, vital mission: to provide immediate financial assistance to the families of fallen and critically injured law enforcement officers from any agency across Arizona. The organization is distinguished by its operational model—it is run entirely by volunteers with no paid staff. This ensures that every dollar donated goes directly to the families in need, a fact verified by charity evaluators like Charity Navigator, which has recognized the fund for its accountability and financial transparency.

By directing all proceeds through this established and reputable channel, Cobblestone ensures that the community's generosity will have the maximum possible impact. "Through our partnership with the MCSO Memorial Fund, 100% of the proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to his loved ones," Cahill confirmed, reinforcing the integrity of the campaign. This structure allows the community to give with the assurance that their contributions are not just symbolic but are providing substantive, immediate relief.

A Legacy of Corporate Citizenship

This fundraiser for the Milligan family is not an isolated act of charity for Cobblestone Auto Spa but rather the latest chapter in a long and deeply ingrained history of corporate social responsibility. Since its founding in 1997, the company has woven community support into its business fabric, particularly its commitment to first responders and their families. This event is a continuation of a core value, not a reaction.

The company's track record speaks for itself. To date, Cobblestone has donated over $230,000 to the families of fallen law enforcement officers—a figure that demonstrates a sustained, long-term commitment. This includes previous high-profile fundraisers, such as events held for the families of fallen Phoenix Police Officer Zane Coolidge in 2024 and fallen Maricopa County Detention Officer Gene Lee in 2019. Each event reinforces a pattern of proactive support, solidifying the company's reputation as a steadfast ally to the law enforcement community.

This commitment extends beyond first responders. In 2025 alone, the company donated more than $150,000 to various local charities. Its philanthropic reach includes a multi-year, $210,000 pledge to Phoenix Children's Hospital, showcasing a broad dedication to the well-being of the communities it serves. The company even maintains a formal corporate giving program, inviting local non-profits to apply for support, further institutionalizing its role as a community partner.

As residents of Tempe and the surrounding areas prepare to visit the Priest Drive location on Tuesday, they are participating in more than just a fundraiser. They are joining a movement of community care, championed by a local business that has consistently proven its dedication to giving back. It is an opportunity to honor Lieutenant Rory Milligan's memory by lifting up the family he leaves behind, turning a simple car wash into a powerful statement of support and gratitude.