MOUNT PLEASANT—On Monday, Strides for Blue 122 began in Mount Pleasant. The event is a show of support to local and state law enforcement. Current and former law enforcement professionals will walk 122 miles, from Mount Pleasant to Dallas, to show solidarity and support for one another.
The event is organized by Raw Iron Gear, the Mount Pleasant Law Enforcement Association and the Code 9 Project. The Code 9 Project is a nationally-accredited nonprofit that provides education, training and resources for the prevention of PTSD and suicide in law enforcement, military and first responder communities.
In a letter to police officers, the Code 9 Project stated, “Our nation is facing a great deal of civil unrest and our Blue Family is bearing the brunt of the impact. Values, trust, faith and purpose are being called into question. Many are weary and weathering tides of doubt and hopelessness, and due to the incessant onslaught of negativity and violence, some of our brothers and sisters are falling into dangerously dark places. The Strides for Blue 122 event is an opportunity to commit our bodies to a healthy challenge and give our minds a much-needed rest. A place where the saying, ‘You are not alone,’ is truly a reality.”
The 122 miles are split into five days of walking, beginning at the Mount Pleasant Police Department. Participants will visit 13 police departments along the way. Officers are not required to participate for all 122 miles. At the end of the walk, a celebration will be held at the Dallas Central Division Police Department.