San Antonio Police Detective to Run 800 Miles to Help Fallen Officers' Families

Sept. 30, 2024
San Antonio Police Det. Benjamin Garcia is running from the Texas Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley to raise $10,000 for Concerns of Police Survivors, which helps families of police officers who died on the job.

By Rhyma Castillo

Source San Antonio Express-News


Benjamin Garcia, a detective with the San Antonio Police Department, kicked off the first 100 miles of what will eventually be an 800-mile journey across the Lone Star State — from Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle to McAllen in the Rio Grande Valley.

Why would anyone embark on such a massive journey?

For Garcia, the reason is simple: Raise $10,000 for Concerns of Police Survivors, or C.O.P.S., an organization that aims to support the families and loved ones of police officers who have died in the line of duty.

This is far from Garcia's first rodeo when it comes to running. In fact, the 48-year-old is an avid marathoner. To date, the longest distance he's run is 273 miles.

ALSO READ: USAA news, A.B. Quintanilla's hospitalization topped this week's headlines

Garcia began his journey Wednesday in Amarillo, and by Saturday he'd made his way 100 miles south toward McAllen. So far, Garcia has raised a little over $200 toward his $10,000 goal.

"A hundred miles already in and still trucking along," he said in a Saturday afternoon update for Facebook Live. "If we could continue ... spreading the word and donating, and just putting a dollar in," he added, "it's the small money that actually pays out."

Followers who want to keep up with Garcia and tag along on his journey can do so through his Facebook page, "I'm Ben and I'm running with you." To help Garcia meet his $10,000 donation goal, visit the C.O.P.S. donation page here.

___

(c)2024 the San Antonio Express-News

Visit the San Antonio Express-News at www.mysanantonio.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Sponsored Recommendations

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Officer, create an account today!