Lodi citizens to raise money for new police gear at Heroes Behind the Badge run
For the third year in a row, Lodi Citizens in Action will raise money for the city’s police department with its annual “Heroes Behind the Badge” fundraiser on Saturday.
Although the first two fundraisers were held at Lodi Lake, this year’s will be held at Calturas Winery, as this is the first year that the event will incorporate a 5K fun run and walk, according to June Aaker, who helped organize the event.
“The number one reason we hold this event is to build relationships between the community and our law enforcement officers,” said Aaker.
The Lodi Police Department used funds raised in 2015 to purchase trauma kits for every patrol vehicle, and in 2016 they were able to replace every ballistics shield, according to Chief Tod Patterson.
The trauma kits contain bandages, salves, tourniquets and various dressings to clot blood from serious injuries such as gunshot wounds, while the ballistics shields are used in tactical situations when SWAT is not available, such as approaching stolen cars or houses where suspects may be armed.
This year, the department plans to replace its current military surplus ballistics helmets, which Patterson says are at least 15 years old.
“This is so beneficial. Our budget doesn’t always allow us to purchase the things we need. The trauma kits allowed us to treat gunshot patients when we’re the first responders, and some of our helmets are pretty antiqued,” said Patterson.
The fun run will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, following registration at 7 a.m.
Lodi officers and SWAT Team will be in attendance, along with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department, probation officers and California Highway Patrol, with some officers running in full tactical gear.
Mascots from Lodi High School, University of the Pacific and other organizations will be placed along the route to cheer on runners and walkers, and a mascot run will take place before the 9:30 a.m. free children’s run, although the mascots will only run from light post to light post in the parking lot.
There will also be a raffle of a handmade art piece featuring a U.S. flag and the Heroes Behind the Badge flag, along with various other vendors, although no food vendors will be available this year.
Although the event is free to the public, entrance into the 5K fun run is $40 before midnight on Friday, and $50 the day of the event. Guests wishing to register in advance can do so at www.lodiheroes.org. Calturas Winery is located at 1333 E. Kettleman Lane.