LOGAN — Around one-hundred people gathered at Willow Park Saturday morning, participating in the first ever “Back the Blue” 5K run and one-mile run or walk. The event was to show support for local law enforcement and raise money for Deserae Turner.
Logan City Police Sgt. Louise Speth helped organize the event after seeing similar runs held in other cites. She said it was great to see so many people attend, plus to have a surprise visit from Deserae and some of her family.
“Oh wow,” Speth said. “What a great day we’ve had. We’ve had an excellent turnout, lots of people out here to support the Turner family and Deserae was able to join us this morning.”
Deserae sat in a wheel chair near the start line, giving “high-fives” to runners as they began the race. Her family then pushed her through the one-mile course, giving her a chance to get out of her wheel chair and walk the final 200-yards.
Speth said Deserae has become a part of the law enforcement family and to see her cross the finish line was the highlight of the event.
“That is what we love to see. You know, we investigate cases and we don’t always get to see that positive outcome, so it’s great to have Deserae home with us.”
Offers, along with members of other law enforcement departments, joined runners and walkers along the course that went through Willow Park and along the Logan River Trail.
Everyone who participated received a “Back the Blue” wristband. The run was free and all of the money donated was given to the Turner family.
The event took place two-days before both 16-year-old boys, suspected of shooting the 14-year-old girl in February, are scheduled to appear again in court. Monday morning a judge will rule if one of the boys will be tried as an adult. Later in the afternoon, the second defendant will begin a two-day hearing to determine if he also will be tried as an adult. Both have been charged with attempted aggravated murder, attempted burglary and obstructing justice.
Speth said after the success of Saturday’s event, the police department will likely make it a yearly tradition.
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