Behind the Badge
Superheroes, indeed.
Two Fountain Valley Police officers in full uniform were joined by three FV firefighters dressed in turnouts as they tackled the Fountain Valley Community Foundation’s 5k Fun Run on Saturday.
The annual event at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park had a superhero theme, with participants encouraged to show up dressed as their favorite character.
Fountain Valley Police Chief Daniel S. Llorens said the participation of Sgt. Mike Parsons and Sgt. Donny Farmer in the Feb. 4 run illustrated the notion that not all superheroes wear capes.
Runners at the start of the Fountain Valley Community Foundation 5K Fun Run at Mile Square Park on Feb. 4.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“Police officers are heroes to victims of crime and to their friends and families,” Llorens said. “It should come as no surprise that by running in full uniform to raise money for non-profits, they once again distinguish themselves as heroes in the community.”
Parsons joked he hoped he would finish the run by sunset.
He did.
Pausing during the Fountain Valley Community Foundation 5K Fun Run to pose for photographs are Fountain Valley FD Firefighters Dan Lancaster, left, Alex Gledhill and Rony Daley, and Fountain Valley PD Sgt. Donny Farmer and Sgt. Mike Parsons.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“We definitely want to support the community and show them we are a presence in the community,” Parsons said. “They rely on us to support them and we rely on them to support us. It’s a good endeavor.”
Farmer said the full police uniform, with gear and boots, probably added 35 pounds to his frame. This year marked the first time the officers participated in the run.
“We’re looking to have a good time with the citizens and show them we are out here side by side with them,” Farmer said.
Behind the Badge photographer Steven Georges contributed to this story.
The participants approach the finish line.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
