FOR RELEASE: May 1,
2009
(TROY, MI) – The
City of Troy Police Department is hosting its first annual “Race for the Badge”
run and walk fund raiser on Saturday,
May 16, at the Police Department Building, 500 W. Big Beaver. Money raised during the event will benefit the
Troy Police and Fire Benevolent Association (TPFBA), which supports public
service employees that experience personal tragedy ─ such as fallen fire
fighters and police officers, and the
family of Oak Park Public Safety Officer Mason Samborski, who was killed in the
line of duty on December 28, 2008.
“It is always
heartbreaking to hear about the loss of a fellow officer,” said Troy Police
Chief Gary Mayer. “That’s why I feel that it is our duty, as public service
employees, to band together to support those who are experiencing the loss of a
loved one or who are battling injury and illness.”
The fund raiser
will feature four events for individuals, families and teams to participate in ─
competitive 10k and 5k runs; a family and individual 5k walk; and a family fun
1k walk. Age and gender bracketed awards
will be presented to top finishing participants.
“To date, we have
approximately 100 participants,” said Community Affairs Director and TPFBA
Secretary Cindy Stewart. “For a first time event, we feel that that number is
wonderful. However, we’re hoping to double that so that we can raise a
significant amount of money for the Samborski family and the TPFBA mission.”
The “Race for the
Badge” will start and finish at the Troy Police Department, located off Town
Center Drive, west of the Troy Family Aquatic Center and east of the 52-4
District Court in the Troy Civic Center Complex. Registration begins at 7 a.m. The 10k run will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed
by the 5k run and walk at 8:45 a.m., and the family fun 1k walk at 9 a.m. Entry fees for the events are $20 for
individuals, $25 for a family of four from the same household, and $50 for a
team of four. Teams must consist of
members from a police/fire department or a business only.
To register, visit
www.goracego.com. For those
registering the day of the event, a $5 entry fee will be added. To register as
a team, please contact Theresa Harrison at 248.452.9932 or e-mail harrisontm@troymi.gov. The “Race for
the Badge” is sponsored by Suburban Collection.
About the Troy Police and Fire Benevolent Association
The Troy Police
Benevolent Association (TPBA) is a nonprofit organization established by the
Troy Police, Troy Fire Department, City employees and community volunteers.
Their mission is to provide assistance to municipal employees that experience
personal tragedy and subsequent financial distress, particularly if it is
related to their public service employment. The proceeds from fundraisers, as
well as corporate and citizen donations, continue to fund the work of the TPBA.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, donations to the TPBA are tax deductible. If you
have any questions, please call TPFBA Secretary, Cindy Stewart at 248.524.1147.
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