Douglas sheriff's May 15 fun run honors Mike Biaggini

Plans are under way for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard second annual 5K fun run/walk May 15.

This year, the event is called, "The Mike Biaggini Run to Remember DCSO Honor Guard 5K."

Biaggini, a 28-year member of the sheriff's department and captain of the honor guard, died Feb. 17 of cancer. He was 55.

"Before Mike died, we talked to him about naming the event for him and he was thrilled with the idea," said Deputy Rick Sousa, an honor guard member and one of the organizers of event.

Last year, about 90 people participated in the fun run, raising $4,000 to help send the honor guard to the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Sgt. Will Lynch said the honor guard hoped to go this year, but postponed their plans because of Biaggini's illness.

"We plan on going next year," Lynch said.

Honor guard members pay their own expenses to attend the annual ceremony which honors law enforcement members killed in the United States in the line of duty.

Sheriff Ron Pierini estimated it costs about $14,000 to send the honor guard.

"The honor guard feels it is their duty to represent this department and our community in Washington," Pierini said.

The honor guard also is looking for fun run sponsors at $150 each who will be invited to advertise their participation with a banner at the event.

The entry fee is $20 for runners and walkers. The fee is $15 for seniors 55 and older. Children 12 and under are free. Participants with pets, and strollers, as well as roller skaters and bicyclists are welcome.

Participants meet at 7:30 p.m. at the sheriff's department parking lot for registration. The start time is 9 a.m.

The 3.1-mile race course is from the parking lot to the Bently Biofuel Outpost service station and back. There will be water stations along the route.

Sousa said he implemented a few changes based on last year's event.

"The biggest complaint we got last year was the lack of bathrooms, so we're taking care of that," he said.

He said some participants were a bit disgruntled that the race was not a timed event.

"This year, there will be no timers. Everybody wins," Sousa said. "It is a 'fun run.' There will be nothing official about it. Everybody gets a gold medal."

T-shirts, not included in the entry fee this year, will be available for $15. The honor guard also will have collectible coins for sale at $10.

Participants may register in advance or the day of the event. Forms are available at the sheriff's office, 1625 8th St., Minden.

For information, contact Sousa at 782-6252.