Kids and K-9s - The Perfect Combination for Nearly All Occasions, Including the Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K
By Jon Griffith on April 20, 2026
By Jon Griffith, Board Member
Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K
Recently, I was watching my grandson trying his best to keep up with my wife’s dog, Quincy, as they ran across our backyard. If you’ve ever seen a similar scene, you know that you have witnessed one of life’s most 
perfect partnerships. There’s a certain magic in the bond between a child and a dog—it’s a relationship built on pure, unadulterated joy, a shared sense of wonder, and a level of energy that most of us adults can only envy. They speak the same language of play, loyalty, and "let’s see how fast we can go."
perfect partnerships. There’s a certain magic in the bond between a child and a dog—it’s a relationship built on pure, unadulterated joy, a shared sense of wonder, and a level of energy that most of us adults can only envy. They speak the same language of play, loyalty, and "let’s see how fast we can go."
In Bridgeport, we’ve found a way to take that natural chemistry and turn it into something special, unique, and fun. While the grown-ups have their own course to run on race day for the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K, the youngsters steal the hearts of all those looking on during the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars Kids K as they circle the Bridgeport City Park trail.
Why has this event quickly become such a staple on race day? Is it the important mission of honoring and providing for our four-legged K-9 officers? Surely. Is it seeing our beloved K-9 officers in action? Indeed. Is it the pure joy on the faces of the children? Definitely! All three of these reasons and more.
I believe the best way to teach our children about character and service is to let them see it in action and practice what they have seen. The Kids K isn't just a race; it’s an introduction to being part of something bigger than yourself. When those kids line up at the start, you see the same determination in their eyes that you’d see in a seasoned athlete. But when you add honoring our K-9 officers to the mix, the excitement and
sense of purpose reach a whole new level.
sense of purpose reach a whole new level.
Law enforcement and K-9 units go hand in hand, and at the DHFS Kids K, our local K-9 officers are often the biggest celebrities at the event. For a child, seeing a working police dog isn't just "cool"—it’s a bridge. It builds a connection between the youngest members of our community and the men, women, and animals who work every day to keep them safe. It turns "officer" from a title into a friend, and "service" from a concept into a tangible experienced reality.
Whether it's the mass start of the DHFS Kids K, a family pet joining the race fun, or the kids cheering as the K-9 demonstration unfolds, the message is clear: we are a family, a pack. We support and look out for one 
another. The DHFS Kids K is our way of honoring our fallen K-9s and providing funds to support and protect our working K-9s who, in turn, support and protect our families and communities.
another. The DHFS Kids K is our way of honoring our fallen K-9s and providing funds to support and protect our working K-9s who, in turn, support and protect our families and communities.
The DHFS Kids K parallels the DHFS 5K. One race to honor the legacy of law enforcement officers, just like our hometown heroes Derek and Jim Hotsinpiller, the other to honor and support our valiant and fearless K-9 officers. We run to ensure that the next generation grows up with an appreciation of law enforcement, pride in their hometown, and a sense of the importance of community service. We want our kids to know that in Bridgeport, we don’t just remember our heroes. We raise heroes.
So, if you’re looking for a reason to smile, come to Bridgeport City Park and watch our K-9 demonstrations. Then find a spot on the sidelines during the DHFS Kids K. Watch the chaotic, beautiful sprint of children racing to the finish line. You’ll see exactly why this is the perfect combination for a community that values its future as much as its history. A community that believes in the important work of our law enforcement officers… two-legged and four-legged.
Invest in Our Rising Stars: Become a Sponsor or Participant
The joy and inspiration of the Kids K are made possible through the support of people who believe in the importance of law enforcement. By becoming a sponsor of the Hotsinpiller Foundation, the DHFS 5K, or DHFS Kids K, you aren't just putting your name on a banner or sign. By becoming a participant in our races, you aren’t just getting a t-shirt and race bib. You’re helping the Hotsinpiller Foundation fund scholarships, aid law enforcement families in times of adversity, and provide for law enforcement agencies in need. Visit thehotsinpillerfoundation.org for information.
Would you like to help us keep the legacy running for the next generation?
Visit thehotsinpillerfoundation.org to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how you can get involved. Or visit https://runsignup.com/Race/WV/Bridgeport/DerekHotsinpillerFallenStars5K to register to run the DHFS 5K or DHFS Kids K and join us in this outstanding mission.
