Two members of the Hutto Police Department will run in the National Police Week 5K in Washington D.C. in May to honor an officer killed in the line of duty in 2015.
Chief Earl Morrison and Sgt. Chris Vela will run to honor Sgt. Chris Kelley, who died when he was run over by a suspect who managed to get control of Kelley's patrol car following a chase and struggle.
"It just gives us the opportunity to honor Sgt. Kelley one more time,” said Morrison.
Vela and Kelley went to the police academy together in 2006. He said they were close, and said it was difficult to hear the news.
"Pretty much just devastated...it was...pretty much just a shock…it was pretty bad,” said Vela.
Morrison said he was in disbelief.
"We train that way, we talk about it, we know that it's a possibility, but there's nothing out there that actually prepares you or trains you and says hey this could actually happen to your agency,” said Morrison.
The officers are raising $2,500 dollars, as part of the 5K fundraising. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Officer Down Memorial Page, as well as to COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors). As of March 28, they have raised more than $2,600.
Morrison and Vela said the two organizations helped the department as well as Kelley's family during these tough months.
The 37-year old was survived by his wife and two children.
"It gives us the opportunity to give back to other fallen officer's families,” said Morrison.
"We wanted to recognize our friend and our colleague, and I think it's a good thing to reach out to these organizations that actually reached out to us,” said Vega.
But, while they want to give back to these organizations, they hope no officer's family will need them again.
Morrison and Vela will run the National Police Week 5K on May 14. Go here for more information about the run.
Go here for more information about Morrison and Vela's fundraising.