10th Annual Arizona Fallen Officer Memorial Run

 10th Annual Arizona Fallen Officer Memorial Run

Here I am celebrating another great event as official AZ COPS photographer.  We were able to attend again this special event for the second year in a row. About 500 runners/walkers, plus a couple of hundred support staff, participated in the event this year.

Honoring the fallen, supporting the survivors…

On March 9, 2014, the memories of fallen officers were honored at the 10th Annual Arizona Fallen Officer Memorial Run, a 5K family-friendly walk/run in Phoenix at Wesley Bolin Plaza near the State Capitol. This annual walk/run is coordinated by Concerns of Police Survivors Arizona in cooperation with the Peace Officer Memorial Board.

This blog is in memory of the latest law enforcement officer lost in the line of duty in Arizona, Detective John Hobbs.

 Detective John Hobbs

Phoenix Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch: Monday, March 3, 2014

“Detective John Hobbs was shot and killed as he and other members of the Fugitive Apprehension Team attempted to serve a felony warrant on a man who had recently been released from prison. 

The subject fled in a vehicle and was pursued by the detectives until crashing at the intersection of 43rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road. The subject then fled on foot. He opened fire on the detectives as they pursued him, striking Detective Hobbs and a second detective. Despite being mortally wounded, Detective Hobbs was able to return fire and fatally shot the subject. 

Both wounded detectives were transported to St. Joseph's Hospital in critical condition. Detective Hobbs succumbed to his wounds at the hospital. 

Detective Hobbs had served with the Phoenix Police Department for 21 years. He is survived by his wife and three children. “

Often missed and never forgotten…

Read more: http://www.odmp.org/officer/21947-detective-john-hobbs#ixzz2vVlKUsGI

 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.

http://www.arizonacops.org/

“Join C.O.P.S. Arizona and Peace Officer Memorial Board as we bring family, friends and law enforcement together for the 10th annual Arizona Fallen Officer Memorial 5k walk/run in memory of fallen officers.  This run is designed to help make participants and supporters feel like they are running with great purpose!”

During this community-oriented event, you WILL experience and remember-

…all the fallen officers that paid the ultimate sacrifice for the cities, counties, states and nation.

…meeting the survivors of some of the most heroic men and women.

…the new friends on the sidelines cheering you on!

…motivation from other teammates and participants, as they see you through the finish line!

…and the experience of completing this fun event!

All proceeds from the run/walk will benefit the families of fallen officers, funding retreats and other hands-on programs that provide peer support for survivors and an outlet where they can learn to begin to rebuild their lives with others whose loved ones have suffered the same fate.

Thank you to all our participants, donors, sponsors, and volunteers! You truly help make the run a success!

A special thank you to the officers, and support staff, from all of the local law enforcement family that helped at the event.  Please stay safe out there.

Arizona Peace Officers Memorial – Phoenix, AZ

Every year, on the first Monday in May, the Arizona Peace Officers Memorial Board honors the officers that have made the ultimate sacrifice and their families.  The weekend prior to the Arizona Peace Officers Memorial Service, the Board also hosts the Annual Peace Officers Memorial Charity Golf Tournament and the Annual Peace Officers Memorial 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run.  All proceeds of the event will assist with the annual Arizona Peace Officers Memorial Service. Every year the Arizona Peace Officers Memorial Board recognizes those officers that have made the “ultimate sacrifice”. The service allows current and past years survivors a time to join together to honor their fallen heroes.

http://www.azag.gov/law_enforcement/PeaceOfficerMemorial.html

All of my event images are on Shutterfly:

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 Thank you and the greatest appreciation to all who helped out or participated in this event.  Thanks for looking at my images.  Comments are welcome!  My prayers go out to all members of this group, especially the latest additions.  None of us wanted to join, but so thankful there are folks out there that truly understand what it feels like.