By Polly Keary, Editor
For the second year in a row, runners will suit up and hit the road on a January Saturday morning to honor slain Monroe Correctional Complex Officer Jayme Biendl, who was murdered by an inmate two years ago next month.
The 5K run/walk, slated for January 27, will benefit the Behind the Badge Foundation, which supports the law enforcement agencies, families and communities after an officer has been seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.
"They were designated by Jayme's family," said Susan Biller, communications director at the Monroe Correctional Center. "The foundation did her memorial service, and the family felt a strong need to send the funds back to them."
Entry in the run, which will begin at 10 a.m. at Sky River Park and will pass through the entryway to the prison before returning to the park, will cost $30.
Participants who register in time will receive a t-shirt.
"The shirts are cool," said Biller. "It's got horses on it, and her badge, and its colors are black, silver and teal. The horses and the colors were her favorite."
In order to be guaranteed a t-shirt, register by mail, online or in person by Jan. 10.
The first run was a resounding success, drawing about 380 participants.
"It brought everyone together, the community and law enforcement, and did this cool amazing thing and remembered her," said Biller. "It was so nice to have her family there with smiles on their faces. That's why I think it's important to do this and keep this going."
Biendl was killed by an inmate in the chapel where she worked in January of 2011. The inmate, Byron Scherf, will go on trial for his life later this year.
To register for the run, contact Cindy Chessie at (360) 863-4582, by fax at (360) 794-3129 or via email at cchessie@ci.monroe.wa.us. Register online at www.regonline.com/jaymebiendlmemorial5kfunrun.
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