LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Thursday was a somber day for the community as Lafayette police officer Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette was laid the rest. A couple of car wash businesses are donating proceeds to support the family. 

“When I heard about what had happened and saw the story, his five children and his wife and what he was doing for the community, he was trying to protect us during this time and it was just something that really touched me," said Lorraine Vannoy, the general manager of Service Chevrolet Cadillac. "I can't imagine what it would be like for my father not to come home, or even my husband, and not be there for my kids. It’s a tough time right now and I wanted to do whatever we could to give back to the Jolivette family,”

Vannoy was told Officer Jolivette kept his vehicle clean and it meant even more after they decided to do the fundraiser with the car wash. Every dollar drivers spend to wash their vehicle will go to the Jolivette family and Service Chevrolet Cadillac will match it.

“We are definitely seeing people from all outside of Lafayette," Vannoy said. "I mean, I've had people text me, they're coming from Opelousas, they're coming from Erath, they're coming from all over and it's very touching. We give away free washes to all first responders and even they're coming in saying, I don't want a free wash let me pay for it. So that's very touching to see in the community and Lafayette is always there when needed."

The dealership held a two-day event ending today at 6 p.m. According to Vannoy, the final numbers Thursday were over $3,000 exceeding what they thought they were going to make. 

“This wash is very special to us," Vannoy said. "We have so many guys working the pit area, completely cleaning the vehicle before you really even enter through the tunnel, and I know the community loves that. We get feedback all the time about how great our employees are, and they mean a lot to me. They hold this place together."

Eric Butte who is an employee at Service Chevrolet Cadillac visited the place and said it was a blessing the business was helping out the family. 

“He bought a few vehicles from us," Butte said. "He was a very nice guy. It’s sad to hear about that. Service Chevrolet did a good thing for him; gave out some money for the family and the service.” 

Another business is joining in supporting the officer’s family. Sassy Suds Carwash’s will be giving a dollar off every wash to the family. The carwash will be open Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sassy Suds Carwash will be doing car washes through the weekend.

“Just heard many stories. He was very respectable, did his job very well and this is what we can do to help him and his family,” Jennifer Boudreaux, the owner of Sassy Suds Carwash said. 

One customer at Sassy Suds Carwash said she didn’t know Officer Jolivette but saw his story on social media. 

“My heart goes out to them truly and it is just a tragedy, honestly,” she said.

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