City Host to Connecticut Law Enforcement Officers Memorial 5K

On Saturday, October 2, 2012, the 3^rd Annual Connecticut Law Enforcement Officers Memorial 5K Run will be held at The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estates, 421 Wadsworth St., Middletown.

So far this year 92 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty. On average, 58,000 law enforcement officers are assaulted each year, resulting in approximately 16,000 injuries. Since the first recorded police officer death in 1792, there have been nearly 19,000 officers killed in the line of duty.

The Connecticut Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Run calls together officers, survivors, and supporters to participate in a 5K run to benefit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The dollars we raise will help maintain the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, organize Police Week events, fund research and education in officer safety, and build the first-ever National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C.

The Connecticut Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Run signed on to pledge at least $10,000 to the building of the National Law Enforcement Museum over the next 5 years. In only two years, the 5K has already exceeded its fundraising goal. This year, we aim to raise an additional $7,500 to support NLEOMF. Organizations that pledge at least $10,000 will each get their own row in the Introductory Theater of the National Law Enforcement Museum. The Connecticut Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Run name will be engraved along its own riser.

Registration and packet pickup begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 9:00 AM. Parents will be able to sign their children up for the Kid’s Fun Run at the registration table. The Kid’s Fun Run is free and starts at 9:00 AM. Children will run approximately one half mile, and the run will be held along the driveway of the Wadsworth Mansion. Families are welcome to join the event as child supervision will be available during the 5K run.

At approximately 9:30 AM, Police Pipes and Drums of Waterbury will perform and Sgt. Kevin McCarthy of the West Hartford Police Department will sing our National Anthem. The 5K race will begin in the driveway of the Wadsworth Mansion, travel onto Wadsworth Street, to Long Lane, to Long Hill Road, to Randolph Road, to Laurel Grove Road, to Wadsworth Street and return to the Wadsworth Mansion. Area residents and businesses are encouraged to come out and support runners at the Wadsworth Mansion and as the runners make their way through the surrounding area. After the 5K race, runners and supporters, will meet on the rear lawn of the mansion for awards, door prizes, vendors, food and refreshments.

This event has been made possible by the support and contributions from the two event sponsors; the State of Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police and Cardio Express. Additional support and/or donations were made by the City of Middletown, Connecticut Police Supply, Eli Cannon’s Tap Room, Illiano’s Ristorante & Pizzeria of Middletown, the Middletown Police Department, and Target Brands.

For questions, more information, or to make a donation to the Connecticut Law Enforcement Officer Memorial 5K Run, please contact Lisa Pudlo, Law Enforcement Ambassador, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, lisa.pudlo@ctleomr.org, (860) 462 – 1733, www.ctleomr.com.