SWAT members run Tuesday in memory of 100 fallen police officers. The SWAT members ran one of 100 legs of the memorial run. Photo submitted
Slain police officers will be honored at 1 p.m. today in a ceremony at the Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial on the Capitol grounds, capping off a weeklong relay run that started in Las Vegas on April 27 and ends in Carson City.
The 450-mile run is divided into 100 legs, each one representing an officer killed in the line of duty. A baton containing the names of the fallen officers exchanges some 100 hands during the relay, which travels along U.S. 95 to Yerington and takes Highway 208 and Highway 395 to Carson City.
Deputy Robert Duffy of Douglas County, who was injured in a shoot-out last month, carried the baton for two miles, with his brother, wife and son.
"When you think about it, (Robert) could have easily have been one of the names wrapped up inside that baton," said Dick Clark, chairman of the Nevada Police Officer Standards and Training commission.
This is the sixth year law enforcement officials have held the run. Carson City Sheriff Kenny Furlong will carry the baton during the last leg of the run, and present it to the widow of a slain officer at the memorial service, which will feature a keynote speaker.
The event leads up to National Police Memorial Week May 15 and 21, which recognizes the sacrifice of slain police officers.
n Contact reporter Dan Moreau at dmoreau@nevadaappeal.com or 887-2430 ext. 351.