On November 25th, 2020, during his tour of duty, our Dearborn Police family lost our colleague Sgt. Christopher Hampton to suicide. Chris was a wonderful human being, a caring friend, a loving son, brother and father, and an amazing Police Officer. The Dearborn Police Officers Charity decided to start this run/walk in 2021 in Chris memory, as his passing brought to light the importance of raising awareness of all those who suffer from anxiety, depressive and other mental health issues particularly first responders, who often remain silent about these same struggles.

Partnering with the City of Dearborn and Trivium Racing, our inaugural event was a great success, heavily support by our community who turned-out to sponsor, support, volunteer and participate. 2025s 5th 5K was our biggest and best so far. Keeping Chris memory alive, we continue to work with his family to present each event with a theme based on his vast love of 80s and '90's movies. Past themes Robo Cop, Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, and last year's wildly popular Rocky, bring fun and connection and fond memories for all, even in raising awareness of a very serious topic. This year were excited to announce The Big Lebowski as the theme for the 6th Annual Chris Hampton Memorial 5K. We chose this specific date in May this year to coincide with the end of National Police Week, a time when officers who lost their lives in the line of duty are recognized and honored.

Our charity beneficiary this year is First H.E.L.P., which is an organization that reduces mental health stigma for First Responders through education, advocating for benefits for those suffering from post-traumatic stress, acknowledging the service and sacrifice of First Responders lost to suicide, assisting officers in their search for healing, and bringing awareness to suicide and mental health issues.

As we continue to grow, our goals for this 5K will remain the same: to reach more people, add new participants, bring light and awareness and connection to those who have lost someone, or who are they themselves struggling with depressive illnesses, and to continue to raise funds for service organizations like Call for Backup, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors, The Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network, and this year's beneficiary, First H.E.L.P.

Whether you are struggling yourself, are a suicide survivor or survivor family, or an ally and advocate of first responders, or just want to come out to test your athletic abilities or stretch your legs in a beautiful spring park setting, we WELCOME YOU to the 6th Annual Chris Hampton Memorial 5K! PLEASE JOIN US! We believe youll be glad you did.