Urbandale Mayor, Police Plan To 'Run For The Badge' In Honor Of Fallen Officer

URBANDALE, IA -- Mayor Bob Andeweg and the Urbandale Police Department will "Run for the Badge" this month to support law enforcement members who put their lives on the line daily to protect the public. Andeweg is hoping to raise $1,000 in memory of a slain Urbandale police officer.

Run for the Badge is a national event that includes runs and walks across the country on Oct. 14. The national group is hoping to raise $143,000 in honor of 143 law enforcement officers killed in 2016.

Andeweg will anchor #TeamJustin, formed in support of Urbandale police officer Justin Martin, who was the first officer in the department to die in the line of duty. Martin, 24, and a Des Moines police sergeant died Nov. 2, 2016, in separate metro-area locations after being ambushed by the same gunman.

The local event begins at 8 a.m. Oct. 14 at Martin Field, the soccer site at Walker Johnston Park that was named in honor of the officer and dedicated in August. registration begins at 7 a.m. There will be a 5K, 1-mile run and 1-mile walk. There is no cost to participate, but donations may be made on the Urbandale Police Department and city website by clicking on the link #TeamJustin.

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The first 100 registered participants for the Urbandale run will receive a free T-shirt and bracelet.

Photo from City of Urbandale website