Regional Police Unit to Kick Off Peace Officers Memorial Week with Benefit Run

The Westshore Enforcement Bureau S.W.A.T.  just keeps growing. Over the last four years, the specialized law enforcement unit has raised $38,000 to support the families of fallen officers and on Sunday they’re hoping to raise another $20,000.

The race, which kicks off Peace Officers Memorial Week, benefits Concerns of Police Survivors, better known as COPS. COPS helps the families of officers killed in the line of duty by organizing peer support groups, an annual trip to Washington D.C. for the National Police Officer’s Memorial, the Blue Light Memorial Dinner and kids’ summer camps where the children of fallen officers can talk, share their feelings and play.

Pat Foye, detective with the Lakewood Police Department and team leader with the Westshore Enforcement Bureau S.W.A.T., said all proceeds from Sunday’s race will go to COPS’s Ohio chapter to help local families.

“There are many, many families affected here in Cleveland by the number of officers killed on the job,” Foye said. “

A motorcade of police bikes will lead the runners through the course beginning and ending at the  parking lot.

The fun will continue after the last runner crosses the finish line with police motorcycles and S.W.A.T vehicles on display, the Energizer Bunny and, of course, doughnuts from Stan’s Northfield Bakery.

“It really is a fun, family-oriented day,” Foye said.

Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group, and to the top law enforcement finisher, regardless of gender or age.

Lakewood Municipal Court Judge Pat Carroll and Rocky River Municipal Court Judge Brian Hagan will be present to cheer on the runners and pick the winning raffle tickets. This year’s prizes include a 50-inch television, $250 cash and $100 gift cards to Home Depot.

Intersections around the racecourse including Crocker and Clemens roads, Westchester and Ranney parkways, and Bassett and Crocker roads will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday morning.

Race registration is $23 per person and begins at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot with the 1-mile Run/Walk beginning at 8:50 a.m. and the 5K starting at 9:15 a.m. To register in advance online today, visit hermescleveland.com.