The 18th Annual FBI Jerry Dove Memorial 5K is Saturday, Sept. 29 on the grounds of the FBI CJIS Division complex. Held in honor of the late Special Agent Jerry Dove –  killed in the line of duty during a Miami shoot-out - the race is hosted by the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association and proceeds help establish a FBICAAA scholarship fund. Through the event’s law enforcement challenge, proceeds also benefit one of four law enforcement-related funds, including the Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Fund.

 

The race is open to runners and walkers of all ages. No bicycles, strollers or roller blades are permitted. The somewhat challenging course runs along Jerry Dove Drive toward the main CJIS facility where runners will loop around a portion of the parking area and return to the start/finish area inside the east security gate of the complex. Walkers will line up behind runners. Miles of Smiles Timing Services will provide chip timing and water stations will be set up.  Awards will be presented to the overall top three male and female finishers, as well as top three finishers in each age/gender category.

 

Registration is $25. Available through Sept. 9, early bird registration guarantees event, long-sleeved T-shirt and chances to win door prizes. Register at runsignup.com/Race/WV/Clarksburg/FBIJerryDoveMemorial5K. Race day registration will be held 7-8:30 a.m. at the FBI Visitors Center. All  packets must be picked up by 8:30 a.m. 

 

Bridgeport’s Todd Fulks, an FBI CAAA board member, has served as co-chair of the event for several years.  

 

“I am part of a three-person team that also includes Mark Dellana, also an alumni association board member, and Holly (Henry) Morris, an employee of the FBI who comes to all of our board meetings and serves as a liaison between the FBI and the Citizens Academy Alumni Association.”

 

The event continues to draw repeat runners, as well as new ones each year.

 

“The first year for the race was 2001 and the first five or six years was peak as far as participants, but I think we’ve had around 150 to 170 for the last three or four years which is a pretty good turnout,” Fulks said. “We see a lot of repeat runners and because it takes place on the grounds of the FBI, I think that attracts some participants too.”

 

The date for the annual race varies from mid-September to mid-October as organizers carefully plan to not interfere with home WVU games or other regional races, Fulks said.

 

Several businesses serve as financial sponsors for the event, contributing to its success. 

 

Following the 5-K – around 10 a.m. - will be 50-yard and 100-yard dashes for kids in attendance. Children age 10 or under are invited to participate in the kids’ races and will be divided for distances based on age. Registration cost for the Kids K races is $10.

 

5K race categories are 12 & under; 13-15; 16-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60 and over. 

 

The FBI CJIS Division complex is located off I-79, Jerry Dove Drive, Exit 124, Clarksburg.  All race participants will park at the Visitors Center.

 

The FBI Jerry Dove Memorial 5K is dedicated to the memory of Special Agent Dove and to all law enforcement officers, firefighters, military personnel, and others who were killed while serving in the line of duty.

 

The FBI Citizens Academy (FBICA) is an 8-week program that gives business, religious, civic, and community leaders an inside look at the FBI.  The mission of the FBICA is to foster a greater understanding of the role of federal law enforcement in the community through frank discussion and education.  The goals of the program are:  to increase public awareness about the FBI, its mission, its activities, and its people; to provide an avenue for the FBI to hear and respond to community issues and concerns; and to strengthen relationships and improve understanding between the FBI and the communities it serves.  Program participants are nominated by FBI staff and former Citizens Academy graduates.  All FBI field offices have an FBI Citizens Academy.

 

The FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBICAAA) is a non-profit organization separate and apart from the FBI, dedicated to supporting the mission of the FBI. In their role as Ambassadors between the FBI and the Community, the Chapter supports and serves the FBI in assisting with education; bringing awareness and preparedness to the public in order to help provide for a safer community.  

 

Editor's Note: Photo taken during the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K is by Ben Queen Photography.