The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Over 200 show support to Trooper Velez 5.11k
The race is a 5.11K run because Velez’s unit number was 511, which is a number used for ID purposes.
More than 200 people showed up to run during the “Trooper Kenneth Velez 5.11K run and 1 mile fun walk” Aug. 12 at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Ave. in Lorain.
“It is a blessing to see all these people showing support and it is a great way to honor a great hero,” Valentina Garcia, race coordinator, said. “His daughter was smiling and I’m just happy Velez is getting the respect and honor he deserves.”
The race is a 5.11K run because Velez’s unit number was 511, which is a number used for identification purposes.
The goal was to have 200 people participate, and that goal was reached, Garcia said.
“This is truly amazing,” she said.
Proceeds from the event will be placed in a memorial fund, which will assist in continuing this event and others annually and scholarships opportunities.
There is even a virtual 5k run for people who could not make the race, Antonio Báez, a family friend, said.
“There was a lot of people who could not make it, so we have a virtual 5k run,” he said. “They can complete the race where they are and on their own time. If they want to run a mile a day then they can do that.”
A 8-year-old boy from Virginia has even been a apart of the virtual run, he said.
The young boy is known for running for fallen officers, and sent a video to Báez.
Upon completing the race, Velez’s daughter, Andria Velez, was so thankful to the community for all its support.
“It means so much to me to see all these people here. The support from the community has really helped our family get through this tough time,” she said. “We just wanted to give back to them for giving so much to us.”
The money for the event also will be placed in a scholarship fund, which will be given to two or three Lorain County students during the dinner, Velez said.
“I am a struggling student, so I know how hard it can be,” she said.
On Sept. 15, 2016, Velez was killed outside of his patrol car in the line of duty after being struck by a vehicle while conducting traffic enforcement on Interstate 90 in Cleveland.