FRESNO (KMJ) — A pair of LAPD Officers are running the length of the state to raise money for their colleagues killed in the line of duty. Funds raised will be donated to C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) and the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation.
The 12 day mammoth journey, from one end of California to the other and via the Central Valley, began on November 27th.
It’s called ‘Project Endure’ – Officer Joe Cirrito and Officer Kristina Tudor are undertaking the effort in their full duty uniforms. That includes vests, utility belts, handgun, taser, full magazines, and more, all strapped around them.
“We are trying to fill some sort of a gap for the families”, explains Paul Williams – one of the support crew members accompanying the runners.
Each town they arrive in, local law enforcement as well as community members have turned out to greet them.
“It’s kind of overwhelmed a couple of the officers that are out here.
“I was in the police department for 32 years and the reasons that we became police officers in the first place was confirmed by running through these areas. We’re just grateful that we have the support that we do”.
He adds that the excitement within the group is building the closer they get to their goal of reaching Sacramento. They expect to arrive there December 8th.
“They are putting out what I consider 120% and their spirits are very high. It’s hard to get these guys to sleep because they want to go out and run to get there”.
If you’d like to donate to the cause the link you need can be found clicking here.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
