COPS Walk Southwest 2014
We spent the last weekend in February in Phoenix at this
Concerns of Police Survivors fundraiser.
The 3rd Annual COPS Walk Southwest was February 22nd
and 23rd. Forty+ fantastic participants
walked 12.5 miles each day for a total of 25 miles for the weekend.
National Concerns of Police Survivors and C.O.P.S.
Arizona hosted this two-day, 25-mile walk along the SRP Path in Phoenix,
uniting families and friends from all over the southwest as they honor fallen
officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities.
Funds raised by participants help the families and
affected loved ones of fallen officers attend retreats and other hands-on
programs with others who share their unique bond, providing an atmosphere of
peer support where they can honor those lost while starting to rebuild their
own lives with others who’ve experienced the same unimaginable pain.
It was my privilege and
honor to be there. I was one of the many
volunteers there to support COPS and help the participants. I was the official photographer and shot over
400 images. I met a lot of great people
and will share a few images from the often-time emotional event.
Thanks to the participants,
volunteers, COPS folks, sponsors, and to those who remember the fallen. We do not walk alone. There are those that know how we feel and
know how to share, listen, and just be there.
It is hard to explain to
those who have not attended what a special event this is. I feel fortunate to attend these events and
meet all of the great people! I learn so
much about myself, and others, by the time spent there. Emotions run high for me, and many others,
during this event.
Arizona Concerns of Police Survivors
Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. provides resources
to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families and affected
co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty as determined
by Federal criteria. Furthermore, C.O.P.S. provides training to law enforcement
agencies on survivor victimization issues and educates the public of the need
to support the law enforcement profession and its survivors.
Concerns of Police Survivors
Concerns of Police Survivors was
organized in 1984 with 110 individual members. Today C.O.P.S. membership is
over 32,000 Survivors. Members include
spouses, children, parents, siblings, significant others, and co-workers of
officers killed in the line of duty according to Federal government criteria.
C.O.P.S. is governed by a National Board of law enforcement survivors. All programs and services are administered by
the National Office in Camdenton, Missouri.
C.O.P.S. has over 55 Chapters nationwide that work with survivors at the
grass-roots level.
Preliminary 2014 Law Enforcement
Officer Fatalities
February 24, 2014 vs. February 24, 2013
2014 2013 Change
Total Fatalities 18 13 +38%
Firearms-related 5 6 -17%
Traffic-related
8 4 +100%
Other Causes 5 3 +67%
Please note: These numbers reflect
total officer fatalities comparing February 24, 2014 to February 24, 2013
2014 Fatalities by State
California 3
Oklahoma 3
Virginia 2
Colorado 1
Florida 1
Louisiana 1
Nebraska 1
Ohio 1
Oregon 1
Tennessee 1
Utah 1
Federal Agencies: 1
U.S. Territories: 1
Tribal: 0
Note: All data are preliminary and
are subject to change.
Officer Down Memorial Page
“Remembering All of Law
Enforcement’s Heroes.”
“A physical challenge, an emotional
high, and the opportunity to help C.O.P.S.
We never walk alone.”
Here are links to some of my other Law Enforcement
themed blogs:
Showing off... |
And the link to all 457 images from the event on
Shutterfly:
Winded from crossing the road? |
Helicopter flyover, day one. |
Relaxing after day one. |
Foot fetish, or he liked to cause pain... |
A well deserved lunch break. |
He might be running from the Police... |
PD Helicopter Flyover... |
You really had to be there... |
Thanks for looking!
11 comments:
Great pics buddy! Like usual
-scott razo
Most excellent photos of a most excellent event! What an honor to have been a walker among such awesome folks. Good stuff TC!!
Joellen
TC .... well done! Those photos under the trees reminded me of somewheres in California or on the East Coast. Good turnout too.... glad you had a successful event.
Mary Lee
"Thank you for honoring those who have made our lives worth the walk."
A mother of a fallen officer
Thanks for all the comments! It is my honor and privilege to be a part of this event in remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Love the portapotty pictures! You did an amazing job! You're my second favorite photographer ;)
Chris
Thanks Chris! I think I know who is your favorite. Mine too.
T.C. You're finally in one of the pictures. Looks like everybody enjoyed themselves. I too, favor the J-John pictures...
Thanks Billy.
Great photos!!
Great photo-documentation. Glad to find one of you in there, as well as one of the brother. I also like the enhanced narration this year. Looks as if the photographer ends up making that walk too!!! Here's to Officer Leroy-- you both rocked the walk in tribute :) Teri
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