Friends and colleagues of slain East Washington police Officer John David Dryer have begun raising money for his 17-year-old son, whose autism challenges him to articulate his grief.

But those close to Benjamin Dryer can see the pain of his father's loss in his eyes and in his occasional questions.

"He'll come out of the blue with a question, 'Why is Dad not here anymore?' " said his grandfather, John M. Dryer. "What can you tell him?"

Officer Dryer had been on East Washington's part-time force less than a year and a half when he was shot to death during a Dec. 19 traffic stop on Interstate 70. His colleague and longtime friend, Officer Robert V. Caldwell, was wounded by gunfire.

Mr. Dryer hopes that a series of fundraising efforts, including the sale of a commemorative T-shirt, will help generate money for Benjamin's uncertain future and for autism research and programs that can benefit other children like him.

Officers on Tuesday unveiled the T-shirt, which on the front has an East Washington badge masked by a black band.

The back bears two badges -- one police and one a wildlife conservation officer -- representing his dual roles in law enforcement. Officer Dryer was also a longtime veterinarian.

The cost is $20 for a long-sleeved shirt and $10 for a short-sleeved. Tee-Berries, the Bridgeville business producing the shirt, will print as many as demand dictates. Fallen officer commemorative shirts have historically sold en masse and have become a solemn tradition in local law enforcement. The company also made a shirt in October for slain Lower Burrell Officer Derek Kotecki.

Anyone can buy the shirt on a new website, www.officerdryer.com.

Benjamin's speech problems make it hard for him to find work, though the 10th grader at McGuffey High School is skilled with computers, his grandfather said. Fundraisers will help start a trust fund for "whatever future endeavor he can make the most of," Mr. Dryer said.

Although he is sometimes withdrawn and difficult to read, his father's death is wearing on him in ways unseen.

"He's the dearest, gentlest child, and it's tough," Mr. Dryer said.

Officers also collected $30,400 at Tuesday night's Penguins game. Donations can also be made to the David Dryer Memorial Fund through any Washington Financial Bank branch or can be mailed to the bank at 3616 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317.