FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 21, 2014) – The Fort Myers Police Department filled Centennial Park Saturday, Oct. 11 with more than 700 registered joggers participating in this year’s Cops & Joggers 5K, including almost 100 joggers younger than 19.

Benefiting fallen police officers and firefighters, Cops & Joggers 5K and Family Fun Night was held during the evening hours with the glow of first responders’ lights lining the race path. The 3.1-mile run began at and ended at Centennial Park, crossing the Edison Bridge southbound.

“On behalf of the Fort Myers Police Department, we are thankful to all the runners, walkers and supporters of this event,” said Lt. Jeffrey Bernice of the FMPD. “The community’s patronage during this race helps keep the memory of our fallen comrades strong. These first responders have made the ultimate sacrifice, and may we never forget their heroism.”

The evening included food and merchandise vendors, police equipment displays, a vehicle smash, music and kids fun area with bounce houses, face painting, a dunk booth, children’s SWAT obstacle course, family activities and more.

Sponsors for the event included Allied Portables, The Bagel Factory, Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders, Black Cat Embroidery, Boston Red Sox, Costco Wholesale, Crystal Springs, Edison National Bank, Fast Fix at Edison Mall, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Fleamasters Fleamarket, Florida Security & Firearms Training, Inc., Fort Myers Fire Department, Fort Myers Harley-Davidson®, Fort Myers SWAT Team, Fuccillo Kia of Cape Coral, Hodges University, iHeartRadio, JetBlue Airways, La Casita Poblana Mexican Grill, Lexington Country Club, Lightning Wireless Solutions, Magnolia Landing Realty, Martin Law Firm, Orange Theory Fitness, Publix Super Markets, Quality Custom Window Tinting, River District Alliance, Rob the Phone Doctor, Run Florida on McGregor, Scanlon Auto Group, Shoot Straight, Sprint, Sprout Queen, Sun Harvest Citrus, Suncoast Beverage, Survival Armor and more.

The Fort Myers Cops & Joggers 5K was 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 Lt. Jeffrey Bernice at jbernice@fmpolice.com or 239-321-7698.

Calendar Girls

Tyler Mackereth, Dareck Poirier, Ed Trentacosta and Albert Baker

Tom Kelly and Claudia Curtin

Tim McCormick, Ashley Schindler, and Oscar Basora

Sonia Colon, Roberto Fabela and Pam Gunning

Michael Kloack, Julianne DeCotis, Danielle LaMay, Madyson LaMay, Chelsea Ciulla and Alexia Ciulla

Kitty the Clown and Anyah Moorer

Katie Satterlee, Nick and Nikki Green, and Terri Toman

Katie Donohue, Patti Hunt and Megan Flynn

Joy Darnell with Maurie and Chric Kovach

Jason Petaccio and Alain Gagnon

Jairo Castillo with Katia and Scott Lewin

J. Kliver, Chris Salsman, Katie Heck, John Heck, Dawn Pressley, Lee Pressley and Lauren Wahlgren

Flor Sanchez with Stella

Elise, Shawn and Bobby French

Dante and Amanda Marinell with their daughters Kaylee and Kathy

Courtney Welch and Justin Hilliard