TUPELO, Miss. – Saturday morning downtown Tupelo was a buzz with Law Enforcement officials from various agencies along with friends and family members.
They came together for one reason, to raise money in support of agencies around the state and honor those who gave their life in the line of duty.
Wives for Warriors held its 9th Annual Blessed are the Peacemakers Law Enforcement Appreciation and Remembrance 5K.
Amanda Merrill, Wives of Warriors President, stated they had approximately 300 runners this year.
“Our mission is that every law enforcement officer has the vest that he or she needs in order to protect them in the line of duty.” Merrill stated. “Over the past 10 years, WOW has furnished 222 vests for officers in need. We will add to that total this year.”
Tishomingo was represented at the 5K by Sheriff Jamie Stuart along with his wife Courtney, deputy David Shinault, and retired officer Shelly Hopkins.
The need for protective gear is great in the law enforcement community. Bulletproof vests have an expiration date that varies from five to ten years.
According to BodyArmor News, the ballistic materials show it decreases its performance overtime and some ballistic materials breakdown through salt which is in sweat. Also, wearing the vest daily diminishes its lifespan.
Most law enforcement officers are required to provide their own vest due to budget restraints at smaller departments. Bulletproof vests cost on average, $1,000 each according to Merrill.
Wives of Warriors will have another 5K in 2025, but they are looking at moving it to the fall.