WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- Dozens of people participated in a race to honor the men and women of law enforcement.
The Keiser University Blue Line 5K kicked off at 7 a.m.
The race supports the Law Enforcement Officer Awards (L.E.O.) on Thursday at the PGA Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens.
"Made me feel really good," said Major Christopher Smith, with the Jupiter Police Department. "Made me feel proud. Made it feel like every little bit of support you get from the community really makes you feel like what you do is really worth it."
There were 92 participants in the race, including students and those who heard about the awards ceremony and wanted to show their support.
"Law enforcement is putting their lives on the line every single day," said Nicole Gelbman, a student at Keiser University, whose uncle is an officer with the NYPD. "So I feel it's important that we get this run in, we get them a little bit of recognition for what they do every single day."
The L.E.O Awards will recognize the extraordinary accomplishment of officers, deputies and public safety staff across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties.
"The last year and a half has been very difficult for the law enforcement community around the country," said Frank Food, the chairman of the LEO Awards. "But there's a lot of great work being done and this shows it. There's a lot of support."
There will be 13 categories ranging from police officer to dispatcher of the year and the winners won’t be announced until the ceremony.
This year, there were 138 nominations.
Money raised from the 5K will help pay for the luncheon on Thursday.
Our own Shannon Cake will the M.C.
