Streamlight's 6th Annual (1st Virtual) 5K To Benefit C.O.P.S.

For the past five years, Streamlight has organized a 5K Run or 1 Mile Fun Walk to benefit an organization we've supported for over two decades: Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (C.O.P.S.). This year, the 6th annual event was a little different, but still had the same heart as in years past.

Streamlight's typical 5K to benefit C.O.P.S. looks something like this: participants (Streamlight employees, associates, and the general public) coming together on a warm summer evening, running the event in a wooded park near Eagleville, PA. Every year, participants have a lot of fun racing one another and walking together, crossing the finish line, and welcoming encouraging cheers and high fives all around. Needless to say, this year's event couldn't be quite like it has in the past, but luckily, veteran participants embraced the change.

The 5K took place in a virtual setting over the course of two weeks, from August 15th through August 29th, participants completed the 5K Run or 1 Mile Fun Walk in their own place and time. Participants even took this as a chance to bring along new recruits, furry companions, and even try out new ways of completing the event: cycling and hiking were some of the creative options. However and wherever they completed the event, participants kept the #StreamlightStrong connection going by sharing their times, miles, and pictures on the Facebook Event page.

This year's 5K Run/1 Mile Fun Walk was able to raise $5146 for C.O.P.S., totaling Streamlight's donations to the organization over $132,000 for the past year. Even though the event looked different this year, we're grateful to all of the participants who showed up and showed their support for C.O.P.S.

Did you participate in the 2020 Virtual 5K or 1 Mile Fun Walk to Support C.O.P.S.? Be sure to share your pictures on social media with #SLCOPS5K!

What is C.O.P.S?

C.O.P.S. is an organization dedicated to rebuilding the shattered lives of survivors and co-workers affected by line-of-duty deaths through partnerships with law enforcement and the community.

Did you know that each year, between 140 and 160 officers die in the line of duty? This leaves their families and co-workers behind to cope with the loss. C.O.P.S. helps survivors heal learn to cope with their loss by providing networks of support and ongoing programs. In addition, C.O.P.S. provides training to law enforcement agencies on survivor victimization issues and educates the public of the need to support the law enforcement profession and its survivors.

The money that we donate to C.O.P.S. helps to underwrite ongoing programs and activities for survivors of fallen officers. Among them are C.O.P.S. Kids Camp and C.O.P.S. Outward Bound, as well as hands-on retreats for siblings, surviving spouses, parents, adult children, in-laws, and significant others. We are the lead sponsor of the Affected Co-Workers and Affected Couples of Co-Workers Retreats.

The money we raise through our 5K/Fun Walk, coupled with the money we donate from our Blue Lights for a Cause, helps us to continue supporting the programs and activities provided by C.O.P.S. Find out more about how Streamlight supports C.O.P.S. in our latest press release. You can learn more about C.O.P.S. and how to get involved through their website and social media accounts.