Police run to recognize veterans

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Members of SWAT teams for local law enforcement participated in a 24-hour run across the Edison Bridge Sunday.

The run is known as the ‘Josh Hargis Ranger Ruck.’ This year, SWAT members from the Fort Myers and Cape Coral Police Departments along with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office participated in the run.

Runners had to carry 60 pounds of gear in a ruck sack, run two miles across the Edison bridge and back, then use an Army Ranger tomahawk to chop a piece of wood. The purpose of the grueling run was to recognize veterans.

The run started last year to honor local veteran, Army Corporal Josh Hargis, who lost both his legs in Afghanistan in 2013. Cpl. Hargis was with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment when he was injured in southern Afghanistan on Oct. 6 2013.

Hargis’ mother-in-law, Jennifer Griffith, remembered the moment she found out Hargis was injured.

“Get a phone call from your daughter Sunday morning saying ‘mommy Josh’s legs have been blown off and you need to come here,'” said Griffith.

During the 2014 event, Cpl. Hargis sent a tomahawk he had in Afghanistan. That same tomahawk was carried in the 222 miles run in Fort Myers. Each runner carried the tomahawk before handing it off to the next runner.

If you would like to donate to the “Lead the Way Fund,” click here. The non-profit raising money to support disabled U.S. Army Rangers and their families.