Thin Blue Line Memorial 5K

On Sunday, August 23, 2015 Louisiana State Trooper Steven Vincent stopped along a local highway to help a man whose truck was in the ditch. Little did Trooper Vincent know, that man had already performed a deadly act on a friend inside his home and made the Trooper his next victim. It was a senseless and completely unnecessary act, committed by an evil man who showed no remorse for destroying the life of a law enforcement officer who was just trying offer assistance. In the process, he destroyed a family, too.

Miraculously, three men happened to be along the highway shortly after the shooting took place and were able to handcuff the shooter with the trooper's handcuffs. They were three ordinary men who say they aren't heroes because they weren't able to save Trooper Vincent's life - but to all of us in SWLA, they showed us that good DOES still exist in this world and that makes them heroes in my book.

Actually, this entire weekend has shown how the love and support of a community can come together to make a difference. From area schools on Friday raising $50,000 with a blue jean/t-shirt fundraising day to runners in the community raising almost $15,000 at a 5K on Sunday, to an all afternoon cookout/fundraising event at the local community center (their goal was $100,000), all of the proceeds are to go directly to the family of Trooper Vincent.

I also can't leave out the visitation/funeral/procession for Trooper Vincent. The line for visitation and viewing of the body on Friday afternoon was over an hour and a half long. Most people in our community hadn't heard of Trooper Vincent until that fateful day, but all felt remorse for what happened and wanted to pay condolences to his family. Both the funeral and procession were live televised events.

The funeral procession on Saturday was like nothing I'd ever seen in my life. Law Enforcement Officers from 47 states were here to show their respects to the family.  Thousands upon thousands of units were there, escorting Trooper Vincent to his final resting place. The burial site was 24 miles away and as his body reached that city, there were still units in the procession in the town where it all began.The streets were lined with viewers/spectators/everyday citizens who were there to pay their respects, all who remained completely silent as unit after unit passed them by.

As a marathon runner (we were told he ran a marathon the day before the incident), our running community came together in a big way and I'm proud to say I'm a part of that community!

This is a picture of all of the Louisiana State Troopers who were at the run along with Trooper Vincent's 9 year old son (he's being held on their shoulders in the middle).

I was exhausted from a whirlwind of a weekend, but nothing would stop me from missing this incredible cause!

Runners in front....

....and runners behind...

I loved seeing all of the blue!!

Perhaps one of the most touching things at the event was seeing those who came out and ran in full gear. 

The Troopers ran with Ethan along the way!

It was the perfect day for supporting a great cause. I'm proud of our community for all of the love and support that was shown to the Vincent family this past weekend. I pray in the weeks, months, and years to come that God gives them peace and helps mend their broken hearts.

Rest in Peace, Trooper Steven Vincent
E.O.W. 8/24/15

August 29, 2015 - A solemn day, LSP Troopers laid to rest our fallen brother, Senior Trooper Steven Vincent, following his tragic line of duty death this past week.
A testament to Trooper Vincent's life and service, first responders from 47 states, local and state officials, and community members from across the area were present to share their support.
Our LSP family has been humbled by the outpouring of support and respect both towards our Troopers and the Vincent family throughout this tragic week.

We are forever grateful and vow to continue our tradition of COURTESY, LOYALTY, SERVICE as we move forward keeping Louisiana safe.
‪#‎NeverForgetD57‬

The final picture shown in the video below is of Col Mike Edmonson and Trooper Vincent's son saluting the casket before being taken to it's final resting place. Breaks my heart every time....

August 29, 2015 - A solemn day, LSP Troopers laid to rest our fallen brother, Senior Trooper Steven Vincent, following his tragic line of duty death this past week. A testament to Trooper Vincent's life and service, first responders from 47 states, local and state officials, and community members from across the area were present to share their support. Our LSP family has been humbled by the outpouring of support and respect both towards our Troopers and the Vincent family throughout this tragic week. We are forever grateful and vow to continue our tradition of COURTESY, LOYALTY, SERVICE as we move forward keeping Louisiana safe. #NeverForgetD57
Posted by Louisiana State Police on Saturday, August 29, 2015