WEATHER DID NOT DAMPEN SPIRITS AS 300 RUNNERS/WALKERS

PARTICIPATED IN THE 3RD ANNUAL RUN FOR THE HEROES

Capital Insurance Group, Century Insurance Services, LLC, and Gig Harbor Businesses Raise Attention and Awareness to The Cause at the “3rd Annual New Year’s Resolution Run for the Heroes” to Benefit Behind the Badge Foundation

Century Insurance Services, LLC, Capital Insurance Group, BNI, Puget Sound Business Partners, ResCom General Construction, Gig Harbor Automotive, Harbor Graphics, CheriCalvert.com, Cascade Pacific Home Loans, Nations Financial Group, Harbor Design Services, Harbor Home Massage, Linda Shiraiwa CPA, Kohler Heating & Air Conditioning, Devcon Security, New York Life, and Keller Williams Realty are proud to raise moneyto benefit families of fallen officers in Washington

Run for Heroes 5k Runners at the starting line

 Gig Harbor Washington (January 2012) “Wet but good”…“Labor of love”…“Loved the spirit of cooperation and working together for a good cause”…“So proud to be a part of it.” These are just a few of the comments from participants in the “3rd Annual New Year’s Resolution Run for the Heroes,” recently held on January 14, 2012 in Gig Harbor, WA to benefit the Behind the Badge Foundation. Behind the Badge Foundation’s expanded mission includes the State-recognized Line-of-Duty Death Response Team, financial support for line-of-duty death memorial services, support for catastrophically injured officer issues, resource referrals for network counseling, financial planning, memorial planning, and legal assistance for affected families, as well as ongoing maintenance of the State Law Enforcement Memorial on the capitol campus in Olympia.

As a demonstration of public support and compassion, this important community and family event grew three times to nearly 300 runners. Runners came from as far away as Mississippi and California in addition to many local runners from Washington.

The inclement weather did not dampen the spirits of runners, participants, and organizers. According to Kasey Petersen of Century Insurance Services, registrations increased three-fold over last year. Donations were up as well. “Even though it rained, the turnout was fantastic! The families of fallen law enforcement officers really appreciate the support of the runners, walkers, organizers, and all the participants. This event is also a way for people to come out and say thanks to all the police officers and members of the law enforcement community. We are happy that our work has brought attention and awareness to the Behind the Badge cause, and we thank everyone for their support,” Kasey noted.

Left to Right: Kathy Rongey, Account Exec, CIG; Susie Nelson and Kasey Peterson of Century Ins; Jim Geisler, Branch Manager, CIG

 Jim Geisler, Northwest Branch Manager of Capital Insurance Group added, “It was a fun event! Capital Insurance Group was pleased to be able to support Century Insurance Services’ efforts to give back to their community and raise funds for a worthy cause. Kasey Petersen at Century Insurance went above and beyond in taking care of the details that helped make this a successful event. We appreciate the opportunity to be involved in such a worthwhile event.”

According to Mike Davis, Chief of the Gig Harbor Police Department, “The Resolution Run for the Heroes has become a hallmark event in Gig Harbor! Even though the weather was brutal, the mood of the participants was one of optimism and respect for what is truly the backdrop of this event…appreciation for what our law enforcement officers and firefighters do around the clock to ensure that the high quality of life we have become accustomed to in Gig Harbor stays intact. It was encouraging to hear and feel the support we have in Gig Harbor– it makes our jobs a heck of a lot easier!”

Dan Wullick of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department commented, “It’s really nice to see the community come out and support the cause. My wife is one of the organizers and has worked really hard – it’s a labor of love for her and a great way for her to focus her energy. She goes to the funerals with me when officers lose their lives in the line of duty. This event helps her to funnel her energy as she works to help others.”

Run for Heroes Alyssa Wulick, Pierce County Sheriff Dept. Reserve Deputy Quentin Brown, Janelle Brown and Sierra Brown

Resolution 10k Runners

A participant in the 5k walk remarked, “My whole family is in law enforcement, so of course we’re all out here. It’s always great to see people standing behind law enforcement, especially when you’ve got your family on the line – it is good to see people supporting you back.”

The event featured both a 5k Walk/Run and 10k Run through downtown Gig Harbor to Crescent Valley Drive and back. There were many popular information booths with raffle prizes and more at Skansie Park in Gig Harbor. The Gig Harbor Police Department and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department had an information booth with safety brochures and give-a-ways regarding water safety, bike safety, runner safety, pedestrian safety, and more. The American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter also had a booth with valuable information about emergency preparedness and local services. Kids had their photo taken with Pierce County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Dan Wullick in uniform and in his police car.

The group of dedicated Puget Sound Business Partners, including Capital Insurance Group who teamed up to run this event, provided valuable community safety information with an array of prizes. Some of the many great safety-themed prizes included solar safety lights, flashing safety lights, safety whistles, emergency radios, Bluetooth® headsets, men’s and women’s running jackets, reflective vests, emergency roadside kits, and more. Other prizes include a $100 American Express gift card provided by Devcon Security, a massage provided by Harbor Home Massage, and an assortment of rubber ducks in sports skins, which were a hit with the kids.

Puget Sound Business Partners

All donations benefit the Behind the Badge Foundation

Donations can still be made by going to behindthebadgefoundation Please reference Run for the Heroes.