FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 27, 2014) – Hodges University, JetBlue Airways and Scanlon Auto Group have signed on to sponsor this year’s Cops & Joggers 5K and Family Fun Night to be held at Centennial Park, located at 2000 West First Street in downtown Fort Myers, on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available from $150 to $1,000. Sponsorships should be reserved no later than Sept. 11. For more information about sponsorships or to become a sponsor, please contact Denise Egolf at degolf@fmpolice.com or 239-321-7723.

Benefiting fallen police officers and firefighters and their families, this year’s event will take place during the evening hours with the glow of first responders’ lights lining the race path.

The annual event will include food and merchandise vendors, police equipment displays, a vehicle smash, music, and kids fun area with bounce houses, a dunk booth, children’s SWAT obstacle course and other family activities.

“Our goal for this year’s race is to have 1,000 runners and always keep the memory alive of our fallen first responders; these emergency service workers died so others may live,” said Lieutenant Jeffrey Bernice of the Fort Myers Police Department. “It is an honor that we run for the memories of these fallen warriors who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Beginning at 7:45 p.m., the 3.1 mile run begins and ends at Centennial Park and will cross the Edison Bridge. Participating joggers may register online with the Fort Myers Track Club at www.ftmyerstrackclub.com.

The early registration fee is $20 per adult and $15 per youth, 17 years old or younger, on or before Oct. 9. Fees increase to $25 per person on Oct. 10 and $30 per person on Oct. 11 for all participants.

The Fort Myers Cops & Joggers 5K was first established in 2008 to assist the family of Officer Andrew Widman who was shot and killed in the line of duty on July 18, 2008. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the FMPD Fallen Officers Memorial Fund and The Brotherhood Ride, both organizations aid the families of fallen police officers and firefighters who have been injured or killed in the line of duty.

For more information about the event, contact Lieutenant Jeffrey Bernice at jbernice@fmpolice.com or 239-321-7698.