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Hundreds Honor Fallen Cops At Officer Down 5K

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Hundreds raced along the North Shore Sunday to honor police officers killed in the line of duty.

This year's event was dedicated to the two troopers shot in an ambush at a State Police Barracks in Pike County.

It's called the Officer Down 5K.

"Even just running a 5K, if you're running for fun, you are doing for a fallen officer," said Danielle Getty with the Officer Down 5K Foundation.

The event helps support police and raise money for families of fallen officers. It was dedicated to State Police Cpt. Bryon Dickson. Trooper Noelle Daniels was involved in the search for the man who wounded Tpr. Alex Douglas and killed Dickson.

"I could not be more proud and more pleased to see so many people show up to honor, not only all the fallen, but especially Cpl. Dickson," said Daniels.

Meanwhile, PSP Strong T-shirts were also on sale. Troopers' wives have sold thousands statewide to raise money for the troopers' families.

"When we lose one of the brothers or sisters, it's very important that we rally around the family an support them," said Kathy, the wife of a state trooper.

Many Pittsburgh Police officers wore shirts honoring three Zone 5 officers killed in the line of duty in 2009.

"These officers, they see a lot of bad things every day, a lot of grief," said Pittsburgh Police Lt. Jason Lando, "so it's just a nice chance for us to get together, raise a lot of money for the officer memorial page."

Police from other communities also ran in the 5K to help raise funds for the families of fallen officers.

"We've actually had a couple of officers in Verona who have fallen in the line of duty," said Verona Police Chief Ron McLemore. "I think it's amazing how all these officers are getting out, especially as chilly as it is today."

"That gap, the pain doesn't go away, they're still suffering every day and if we can help by doing this, what a great event," said Moon Police Sgt. Doug Ogden.

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