Fraternal Order Police 5K to benefit law enforcement survivors

The third annual Putnam County Law Enforcement Memorial 5K run/walk is set for Saturday, May 14 at DePauw Nature Park.

Conducted by the Putnam County Fraternal Order of Police, the event isn't simply a chance to go for a run and honor local police, it is a way to help meet the needs of those left in the wake should an officer die in the line of duty.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Central Indiana chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), which has a national affiliation with the FOP.

The role of COPS is to come in and assist the family when a police officer dies.

"It's a great organization that takes care of things," Greencastle Police Sgt. Ed Wilson, a local FOP representative, said. "COPS comes in an takes care of personal stuff so the family can concentrate on the arrangements and getting themselves in order."

Possible needs met by COPS include meals, daycare, groceries and transportation, accommodations and even financial help to get relatives into town.

The central Indiana chapter recently came to the assistance of the widow and family of Howard County Deputy Carl Koontz.

COPS can also help provide a buffer between the family and the attention that comes its way after such a tragedy.

"We dedicate our lives to helping others," Wilson said. "It's nice to know these folks are dedicated to helping our families when we need it."

Registration for the 10 a.m. run is from 8-9:30 a.m. on Saturday. Cost is $20 per runner.

A hog roast lunch will be provided following the run.

Festivities will begin with a small ceremonial recognition, followed by the national anthem.

All participants will walk or run under a large flag flown by the Greencastle Fire Department. The course will also lead them past vehicles form involved departments as well as a memorial to Putnam County Sheriff's Capt. Jim Baugh, the last Putnam County officer to die in the line of duty on Jan. 2, 2004.

For more information or to download an registration form, visit www.pcleo5k.com.

Anyone with questions may call Sgt. Wilson at the Greencastle Police Department at 653-3155.