Why Bridgeport? Hotsinpiller Foundation

 

How do you respond to tragedy? Faced with the unthinkable, our response reveals much about our faith, strength, and resolve.

 

I have witnessed what I believe to be one of the most inspiring, faith-filled responses to loss imaginable. In the wake of losing her husband Jim, a Bridgeport Police officer, to a heart attack and then her youngest son Derek, a United States Marshall, who was shot in Elkins during a drug arrest, Pam Hotsinpiller has maintained her faith, strength, and grace in a way I’m just not sure I could.

 

Derek Hotsinpiller’s fatal shooting sent shockwaves through Bridgeport. The Hotsinpiller family is deeply woven into the fabric of our community. I vividly remember the funeral processional solemnly passing in front of the Bridgeport High School, where I stood with our students who had been dismissed to line Johnson Avenue to honor Derek. The outpouring of love and compassion for the Hotsinpiller family was enormous. In this tragic time, a plan was formulated to recognize and honor the passing of both men, The James & Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Scholarship Fund. Its goal of providing scholarships to young people pursuing law enforcement careers seemed to be a truly fitting tribute.

 

One method to provide revenue for the fund was proposed by Dustin Hotsinpiller and his wife Ashley, a 5K race. I recall our first race committee meeting. Dustin, Ashley, Ryan Nicewarner, Jeff Weimer, and I sat down at Panera to plan the details of pulling off the event. With the input of this small group of friends, the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars Memorial 5K was born in 2011. The support of the Bridgeport Police Department, the City of Bridgeport, Bridgeport High School, the Bridgeport community, and law enforcement agencies across the country have been essential to the continued success of the race through its many years.

 

This winter, the James and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. has been renamed, and its mission expanded. It is now the James and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Foundation, Inc. As the race has grown, so has the desire to broaden our support of law enforcement. Under the new mission, the foundation will continue to provide scholarships for students seeking law enforcement careers. It will also provide funding to support law enforcement officers and their families who have experienced hardships and tragedies. Additionally, law enforcement agencies can request funds for various areas of need within their departments. This broader mission for the foundation commemorates our deep appreciation of law enforcement and continues to be a tribute to Jim and Derek.

 

Over the past twelve years, the race has continued to grow in popularity and support. Initially, what in that first year was a pretty standard 5K road race has evolved into a significant community event. Sponsors now support us from across the state and beyond. The race starts and finishes in Bridgeport City Park. The park is filled with vendor tables and food trucks. Dozens of families and individuals volunteer in multiple capacities; registration, packet and t-shirt pick-up, water stations, finish line refreshments, etc. In-person runners represent many states and have come from as far away as Arizona. Virtual runners register from every state in the union and multiple foreign countries. Revenue generated by sponsor donations and runner’s entry fees go to the foundation to fund scholarships and provide for law enforcement needs across our area.

 

While the race has grown, some things haven’t changed. The two primary goals remain. The first goal is to honor law enforcement agencies and their officers, particularly those that have fallen in the line of duty. Each year the names of all the fallen officers of the past year are listed on the race t-shirt as a tribute to them and their family's sacrifice. The second goal is generating revenue for the foundation’s scholarships, supporting officers and their families, and assisting law enforcement agencies in fulfilling their mission of protecting our communities.

 

Why Bridgeport? Tragedy and loss do not define nor defeat us. We forge ahead. Faced with the unthinkable, we do not succumb. We persevere. The James and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Foundation is one example of how we respond in difficult times. We have rallied as a community to honor those we have lost, here and across the country, and strive to build a better future for all who remain.

 

To learn more about the James and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Foundation or the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars Memorial 5K: https://thehotsinpillerfoundation.com/

 

Editor's Note: Top photo show Jim and Derek Hotsinpiller in the Foundation logo, while Dustin and Ashley Hotsinpiller are shown in the second and bottom photo, respectively. Third photo is at the start of last year's race. Bottom three photos by Joe LaRocca.