In a bid to memorialize Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy Brad Reckling and support his family, Benstein Liquor in Commerce Township has launched a sale of special bourbon bottles etched with Reckling's badge. The bottles, a product of Woodford Reserve bourbon, have experienced rapid sales, according to owner Fady Mansour. Nonetheless, having been fatally shot on Detroit's east side during a stolen vehicle investigation, Deputy Reckling served nine years with the sheriff's office.
Selling out quickly, the specialty bourbon first appeared on the shelves with a batch of 120 bottles that were snapped up in 15 minutes, and a subsequent batch of 144 bottles that disappeared in an even swifter 25 minutes. "We just wanted to do something that reflects him and always remembers him," Fady Mansour told CBS News Detroit, highlighting the widespread community support for the initiative. Reckling, who is survived by his wife, three children and an unborn child, was investigating a stolen vehicle when he was murdered on June 22.
The fundraising endeavor, which has so far collected $1,200 with a goal of $10,000, had unexpected support from the community, bringing together grandmas, sisters, chiefs, and detectives, as Mansour noted. All proceeds from the bottle sales are slated to go directly to Reckling's family. The store owner, in the light of this outpouring, is optimistic about reaching the financial target and committed to continuing the fundraiser for as long as necessary. Mansour plans to have 200 to 300 bottles available every Thursday, offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those not interested in purchasing bourbon can still contribute to the family via monetary donations accepted at the store..
With the first shipment of over 100 bottles sold out in about 15 minutes, this tribute has shown a remarkable demand. "I've received over four to 5,000 phone calls, emails, texts. Everyone has something connected to Brad," Mansour said, highlighting the personal connection many feel with the late deputy. According to FOX 2 Detroit, the store has already raised almost $1,000, with more shipments expected weekly. Updates on shipments can be found on Benstein Liquor's Facebook and Instagram.
In connection with Deputy Reckling's murder case, Karim Blake Moore, an 18-year-old, has been charged with lying to police and resisting arrest. During Moore's arraignment, Matthew Penney, an Assistant Prosecutor, pointed out that Moore fled the vehicle involved in Reckling's murder and lied to investigators thereafter. Despite fierce charges of the gravity linking to a deputy's death, Adam Clements, Moore's defense attorney, argued his client is presumed to be absolutely innocent, as reported by Hoodline. If released on the $100,000 cash bond set, Moore was ordered to house arrest with a GPS tether.
