I know this is not a typical HTSFF post it is non coupon related but definitely goes with the mission of this website which is Pay it Forward. With the majority of HTSFF fans being located in MA and NH I feel this is appropriate to share with the group.
Julies husband was on duty the night of the tragic shooting in April. Julies husband was not injured but others were. Julie is now running a marathon to raise money for the Officer Down Memorial. She is asking for moral support (which is free) and donations. If you can spare $10.00 to support the cause that would be great if not no worries just send her positive vibes (FREE) or a supporting comment (FREE).
The night of this tragedy made me realize something I never really thought of before which is when you hear the news about an officer being shot your thoughts go to the officer and their family but I never really thought about all the other officers family’s that sit at home waiting and not knowing. There were reports of officers down but Julie sat in fear waiting not knowing if it was hers as did many other wives, mothers, children that night. I can’t imagine how scary that must be. Makes you appreciate life and how short it really is and how quickly life can change in one moment.
Here is Julies story;
On April 12th, 2012, my husband had the night off from work and was home with our family. While chasing our two boys around upstairs to get them ready for bedtime, he received a page from the Portsmouth Police Department/ Seacoast SWAT team. Within seconds of receiving this alert- he immediately began to gather his belongings and respond to a devastating call in Greenland, NH consisting of 5 police officers that had been shot during a drug arrest. After kissing us all goodbye, I had no contact with my husband for over 10 hours. I learned quickly after his departure that the Chief of Police in Greenland, NH, Chief Michael Maloney had died from his gunshot wound. It was a night I will never forget- of fear, sadness, and loss. Following this event, it not only impacted the responding officers, but their families of those wounded and who responded, law enforcement nationwide and the surrounding community of Greenland.
For me, the trauma of that night did not end when my husband came home. I supported my husband for days in dealing with the aftermath of his experience. My eyes were also opened to just how dangerous his job was, every single day risking his life to some senseless act of hatred or violence by a civilian. I began subscribing to police wife blogs, support groups, and becoming closer to the wives and loved ones of our own Portsmouth PD family. Since that event, I have wanted to help- do something more- raise awareness and not sit idlely by while EVERY SINGLE DAY a loved one loses their husband, wife, mother, father, friend and so on in the line of duty.
I am pledging to run my first marathon on September 30th, 2012 to raise money and awareness to fallen officers in the line of duty. Your pledge and support will help families who have lost their law enforcement loved one in the line of duty financially and emotionally. It will also support this incredible organization in offering a memorial for EVERY SINGLE law enforcement officers across the country who has died in the act of heroism.
Five years ago, I could jog through 4-5 miles at the most. Before that, I almost never ran and thought people who ran had some super human power. Last year I ran my first half marathon and not only finished it, but ran it in a time I was proud of. I’ve since run two half marathons, and over 20 10k’s, 5k’s, 5 milers.. I am absolutely terrified of running this first marathon. I am leaving myself TEN WEEKS to train and prepare. Please support me both emotionally and financially through this website as I wake up at 4:30am most mornings to fit in my training runs and workouts in. Balancing mommyhood is my priority- so the training has to fit SOMEWHERE!
Thank you!!!
Julie 🙂
If you would like to donate to this cause please Click Here
I encourage everyone to leave kind words of support for Julie as she gets ready for her marathon.
Kick Butt Julie!!!
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