Phoenix Police Foundation Honor Run/Walk serves as testament to the ultimate sacrifice
By Terrance Thornton | Digital Free Press
In a formal salute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, the Phoenix Police Foundation is hosting Honor Run/Walk 7 a.m. Sunday, March 17, at the starting point of Agave Library, 23550 N. 36th Ave.
There have been 43 lives lost in the line of duty at the Phoenix Police Department.
“The inspiration behind the Honor Run/Walk is deeply rooted in our commitment to never forget the brave men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Tim Thomas, Phoenix Police Foundation executive director. “This event serves as a living tribute, offering a communal space for reflection, remembrance, and respect. By participating, we collectively honor their memory, celebrate their lives, and acknowledge the ultimate sacrifices made to protect our community.”
Get registered for the Honor Run/Walk by March 1.
The event itself is the physical embodiment of love and respect for the heroes of the Phoenix Police Department who lost their lives protecting the community.
“Transparency and accountability are at the core of how we manage the funds raised,” Mr. Thomas points out. “All proceeds from the 4th annual Honor Run/Walk will be allocated to the memorial wall that will be constructed in the new Phoenix Police headquarters.”
Over the last six years the men and women of the Phoenix Police Foundation have raised nearly 5 million dollars to meet the financial needs of the heroes who dawn the Phoenix Police Department uniform every day to protect and serve all parts of the Phoenix community.
For Mr. Thomas, the upcoming Honor Run/Walk represents the Phoenix community coming together for a day of service and to never forget the sacrifice of those who lost their lives serving the people of Phoenix.
“Organizing the Honor Run/Walk has been a journey filled with both challenges and successes. One of the main challenges has been coordinating the logistics to ensure a safe and engaging event for participants of all ages,” he said. “However, seeing the community come together, the increased participation each year, and the positive feedback from families of fallen officers have been our greatest successes. These successes fuel our dedication to making each event more impactful than the last.”
The Phoenix Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to address unmet capital needs of the Phoenix Police Department, provides financial assistance in crisis situations and recognizes those who protect our communities.
Get registered for the Honor Run/Walk by March 1.
Unwavering support at the Phoenix Police Foundation
The men and women of the Phoenix Police Department are ordinary men and women who are community servants oftentimes tasked with extraordinary responsibilities.
“The Phoenix Police Foundation has significantly impacted the community by fostering a stronger bond between the police and the public we serve,” Mr. Thomas told the Digital Free Press. “Officers put their lives on the line every day to protect the community and too many have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
The Phoenix Police Department offers a digital memorial site for the 43 officers lost it the line of duty.
“Our hopes for the future include expanding the reach and impact of the Honor Run/Walk, engaging more community members, and increasing our support for the families of fallen officers,” Mr. Thomas explains of the Honor Run/Walk. “We aim to grow the Phoenix Police Foundation into a cornerstone of community support, fostering an environment where public safety and community wellbeing are everyone’s shared responsibility.”
Mr. Thomas says all are welcome at the March 17 Honor Run/Walk.
“The community can get involved in various ways, including participating in the run or becoming a sponsor,” he said. “Each role is crucial to the success of the event and offers a unique way to show support for our officers and their families. We encourage everyone to join us, whether by running, walking or cheering on participants. All the details can be found on the event website.”
With support of Phoenix residents and the generosity of the business community, the Phoenix Police Foundation has raised over $4,740,000 since 2018, of which 91% of those funds have been used in support of the Phoenix Police Department.
Get registered for the Honor Run/Walk by March 1:
The 2024 Phoenix Police Foundation Honor Run/Walk will honor all the Phoenix Police Officers lost in the line of duty. You can join the Phoenix Police Foundation on March 17 for the in-person event 7 a.m. at the Agave Library, 23550 N. 36th Ave.
Also, supporters can complete a 5K Run/Walk or 1 Mile Walk at any location and pace between Sunday, March 17, and Saturday, March 23.
Each Phoenix fallen officer has a Memorial Marker in the area close to where the incident occurred. If you opt for the virtual option, the Phoenix Police Foundation encourages supporters to map a run/walk route that will take you by a memorial marker. While there, honor the fallen by taking a photo and sharing it in this site’s photo section. A link to a map of fallen officers memorial officer locations is posted below.
The cost is $45 plus tax and registration, and everyone who registers by March 1 will be mailed an Honor Run shirt.
