Brad Fox 5K still has special meaning to Warminster community

Officer Brad Fox was killed in the line of duty in 2012.

It’s been seven years now yet the movement to keep Brad Fox’s legacy alive for all to see remains as strong as ever.

On April 6, an estimated 750 runners – many of them familiar faces – will gather in Warminster for the Officer Brad Fox 5K to celebrate the memory of the community’s favorite son.

Fox, a former member of the Plymouth Township police department, was killed on Sept. 13, 2012 (one day short of his 35th birthday), leaving behind his pregnant wife, Lynsay, who gave birth to Brad Jr. on March 25, 2013.

Fox also served as a U.S. Marine for two tours of duty in Iraq, so he truly is an American hero.

Brad Jr. will be celebrating his sixth birthday on March 25 and will be at the race along with his sister, Kadence, who is a year older.

Since the event began in 2013, some $250,000 has been raised to help both Brad’s family and other worthy causes.

Race director Darren Meehan and many of Brad’s other friends who help organize the race consider it a labor of love.

“We have a lot of new activities this year,’’ Meehan commented in a phone call the other day. “Some new things for the kids. And the runners get a chance to run on ‘Brad Fox Memorial Highway’ (a segment of Rt. 263/York Road). They enjoy having the chance to run on that.

A couple years ago, the race committee was able to secure this unique start.

“We’re extremely excited for our annual event and are coordinating closely with Warminster Township, PennDOT, and Archbishop Wood to have another safe celebration of Brad and all our veterans and first responders,’’ Meehan said at the time.

The other day, Meehan added: “This is the only race that closes down York Road each year, so it’s pretty exciting to be able to give our runners that experience.’’

The Brad Fox Scholarship Fund each year donates to:

>One William Tennent High School senior studying law enforcement or exploring a career in the military.

>An incoming Archbishop Wood High School freshman who demonstrates selfless services within their community.

In addition, the race benefits the Warminster Township and Warrington Townships K-9 Units and Alpha Bravo Canine.

Money also has been donated to:

>Brad Fox Children’s Fund.

>Families of Fallen Police/First Responders,

>Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.

>Montgomery County Special Olympics.

>Bucks County Down Syndrome Interest Group.

>Duskin & Stephens Foundation —Area Police Department K-9 Units.

“We want to continue to tell Brad’s story,’’ Meehan said. “Brad literally did everything he could for his country and then for his community.

“Since his kids wouldn’t have a chance to know their father personally, part of what we do is to continue to tell Brad’s story and build upon that for them.

“Also to communicate to Brad’s entire family, not just his widow and his kids, but his parents, grandparents, brother. . .just to communicate to them that Brad’s sacrifice isn’t forgotten.’’

Registration is available at www.officerbradfox5k.org. The course is USATF certified.

As we have mentioned in the past, here’s hoping for a great event. It’s run by people who have their priorities straight and their hearts in the right place.

 

Dept. of Corrections returns

 

Last week we wrote about Newtown native Rob Ciervo’s recent success in masters track racing.

We reported that Rob had won a title in USATF competition and gave the impression that it was a national championship.

Upon further review, the race he won was a USATF “regional’’ race (for New York/New Jersey).

That said, Rob’s 2:15 continues to be one of the best times for 50-54 age group in the country in the 800 meters and he figures to be a force in that division for some time to come.

We regret the error and wish him the best in upcoming races.

 

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About Wayne Fish 2387 Articles
Wayne Fish has been covering the Flyers since 1976, a stint which includes 18 Stanley Cup Finals, four Winter Olympics and numerous other international events.

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