Miss. Run to Remember moves to Hattiesburg to honor fallen officers
Why these siblings got involved
Two sisters, Samantha McCain and Kristy Daniels, grew up in a law enforcement family. They saw firsthand that life wasn't always easy being the daughters of someone who wears a badge and bullet proof vest to work every day. Samantha says that she grew up knowing her dad's job was different from other parents. "Soccer games for me and basketball or cheerleading appearances for Kristy always came with a few extra people depending on the shift or detail he (her dad) was working," she said. For these sisters, growing up in a law enforcement family instilled the notion that they could always depend on an officer if they needed help. "For my sister, Kristy, her world looks a little different as she's now the wife of an officer. Having a strong faith in God and being grateful every time he walks through the door is important."
Ask anyone you know that wears a badge, and they'll quickly tell you that their choice to be in law enforcement was never about the pay. Most officers will tell you they chose being in law enforcement to help others and to make their communities safer for everyone. Samantha said, "I remember my dad working his scheduled shifts and then heading to a part time job or two. It's also a job that doesn't ever come with a real 'off duty.' Sometimes this means jetting out the door for a sudden call, or helping a family with a car that may be broken down while heading to Christmas Eve dinner. The call to serve may not always be convenient, but if you ask any person who serves, he or she will tell you it's absolutely worth it."
Carrying the torch to help others
When asked why Samantha and Kristy decided on a race to help law enforcement, the answer was humbly from the heart. "Helping others and pride for being a part of a family that's bound by so many layers," Samantha said as the reason she and her sister decided to start a run to support law enforcement. "Kristy married into a life she fully understands, and it's a support system she freely gives because she knows the risks, challenges and everyday tasks that come with her husband's job. It (law enforcement) has shaped our passion for the jobs we (in public relations and banking) have and knowing we can make a difference in the lives of others.
In 2012, these two sisters planned their first run to support law enforcement just before Pearl Police Officer Michael Walter was killed in the line of duty. "The feeling of such a tragedy in Kristy's backyard drove home the reasoning for the race – to bring awareness to the risks officers take each day on the job, and to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice," Samantha said. Their decision to take the race to Hattiesburg this year was an easy choice. "Hattiesburg is my home and Liquori Tate and Benjamin Deen's deaths rocked our community in a way we've not seen. We wanted to rally Hattiesburg in the name of these two officers and officers across the state. As numbers 228 and 229 on a long list of Mississippi heroes, it just felt right."
Why people should come support this race
"Long after the media coverage dwindles and we get further and further away from these fallen officers' deaths, it's harder to remember the camaraderie and community that brings all together. We want to continue to remind folks that these officers tighten their vests and belts daily without any knowledge of what might happen that day. Nothing is routine and each traffic stop and each questioning comes with a level of uncertainty," said Samantha. The families of all Mississippi's fallen officers often express gratitude in knowing that people never forget. The bottom line here is that the life of their loved one meant something and people remember their officer's ultimate sacrifice many times as they were trying to help others. This race to honor law enforcement does two things. It helps honor the men and women who wear the badge and swear to uphold the law and protect folks like you and me. It helps us to never forget those officers who were killed in the line of duty.
Mississippi Run to Remember, honoring law enforcement officers – the details
On Saturday, July 18, runners, walkers, kids and adults are invited to participate. This 5K event will be held in Hattiesburg this year. "The racecourse will begin and end at Town Square Park and will run by the Hattiesburg Police Department where a screen will play a memorial of photos. Race day registration will begin at 4 pm, a memorial ceremony will take place at 5:20 pm, and the race/walk will begin at 6 pm. There will be a fun run right after," Samantha added. "As the wife of a law enforcement officer, that moment is a call you never want to get and your fear it will happen each time our officers walk out the door. Every opportunity we can get to help aid in the awareness for the risks of these men and women take, and add to the legacies our fallen leave, we want to take it," said Kristy.
Pre-registration for the 5K run/walk is $25 and $30 on the day of the event. Pre-registration for the fun run is $10 and $15 on the day of. Runners and walkers can register at www.msr2r.com, and if you wish to sponsor or volunteer, contact the race committee at msruntoremember@gmail.com. This year's charities are the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Memorial as well as the Deen and Tate Memorial Fund established through The First Bank in Hattiesburg.
"Over the years, we've had the honor of talking to and becoming friends with families of our fallen. That's an indescribably feeling and one we weren't prepared for," Kristy added. "It's become one of the biggest blessings."
What are you waiting on? Sign up today
Whether you walk or run to stay in shape or lose weight, to exercise or run and compete for first place, or you walk with friends and family in your own neighborhood just for fun, this Run to Remember is for you. On Saturday, July 18, get down to Hattiesburg and add one more reason to why you walk or run… to remember Mississippi's fallen law enforcement officers and help support two great charities – our statewide fallen officers memorial and Hattiesburg Police Officer Deen and Tate's memorial fund.
For years, Mississippi has been one of the most giving and charitable states in the country. Join the Run to Remember and help families and friends of all our fallen officers know that we will never forget. God Bless the men and women first responders who rush into danger as we run from it. Mississippi remembers.
Tweet me @TheDonnaEchols or send me an email to DonnaEchols@gmail.com. See you in Hattiesburg for the Run to Remember honoring Mississippi's fallen law enforcement officers.