Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's Run to Remember honors fallen officers, including Luis Huesca
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago Police helicopter buzzed over thousands of people who lined up early on Saturday morning to pound the pavement for a meaningful mission.
"You have to have a true appreciation for that sacrifice that not only the officer's made, but their families," said CPD Supt. Larry Snelling.
Saturday marked the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's 20th annual Run to Remember, a day to honor fallen and catastrophically injured Chicago Police Officers.
The 5K is especially poignant as it comes nearly two weeks after CPD Officer Luis Huesca. The six-year veteran of the department was shot and killed in Gage Park on April 21 as Huesca returned home from his shift.
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"These officers and their families will never be forgotten," said Rhonda Anderson a Chicago police officer and co-founder of the race.
It really touches my heart and makes me so happy and proud of the department and the city and how everybody has wrapped around the families of these officers," said Anderson.
Organizers said more than 5,000 people, including law enforcement and their family members participated in the event.
"We have so much respect for them who serve and protect," said Meagan Guzik.
Guzik said her son is training to become a Chicago police officer right now.
"This just goes to show how many more people support," said Guzik. "With all the bad, there's 10,000 more good."
Others like Indiana State Trooper Brian Mallard traveled from Indiana to show their support for CPD
"Especially when you come around to the end over here and we see all the fallen officers. That could be any one of us at any given time," said Mallard.
This event is the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's largest annual fundraiser.
The course weaves runners and walkers through Museum Campus and along the lakefront, before ending near the memorial wall.
Since the first officer's death in the line of duty, there have been 601 Chicago police officers who have sacrificed their lives for our city
