Cops and Joggers turns a night run into a community tradition with heart. We shine a light on what makes this 5K special: a fast, scenic route, an atmosphere for families, and a mission that delivers real help where it matters.
Joined by Officer Hughes and Captain Valdivia, we unpack the race’s purpose and impact. Proceeds support the Fort Myers Police Department’s Fallen Officer Memorial Foundation, funding travel for families to National Police Week in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., and aiding like‑minded organizations that serve first responders. We dig into why the event moved to January to avoid hurricane season, how the cooler evening setting boosts the experience, and what first‑timers should know about packet pickup, parking garages, and arriving early to enjoy the pre‑race fun.
Expect more than miles. We tease possible post‑race entertainment, highlight age‑group trophies and crowd‑pleasing light‑up medals, and make the case for walkers and families to join. Most of all, we share how the night creates space to honor fallen officers, tell their stories, and build genuine connections between the department and the community it serves.
Ready to run, walk, or cheer? Subscribe for more community spotlights, share this episode with a friend who needs a nudge to register, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. We’ll see you at the starting line.
Episode Transcript
Welcome back to FMPD Roll Call and Public Information
Officer Megan Fuente.
Today we're spotlighting one ofour department's signature
community events, the annualCops and Joggers 5K Run and
Walk, taking place at night indowntown Fort Myers.
This event has become a downtowntradition, bringing together
runners, walkers, families, andlaw enforcement for nearly two
(00:21):
decades.
To help break down what's newthis year and what participants
can expect, I'm joined byOfficer Hughes, the coordinator
behind the event and CaptainValdivia, who works closely with
the Fort Myers PoliceDepartment's Fallen Officer
Memorial Foundation.
Roll call begins now.
Thank you both for joining me.
I really appreciate you guyscoming here today, especially to
talk about Cops and Joggers,which is coming up in a little
(00:43):
less than a month.
SPEAKER_01 (00:44):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (00:45):
So, Officer Hughes, let's start with you.
For anyone who's never takenpart in Cops and Joggers, can
you give us like an overview ofwhat the Cops and Joggers is
about, what it looks like?
SPEAKER_01 (00:53):
Sure, this is truly a family fun event, not just for
runners or walkers.
We'll have bounce houses, foodtrucks, SWAT team, music for all
involved, and there'll be a raceover the Edison Bridge in
downtown Fort Myers.
It's lit up by cop cars, andit's a great experience for
everyone to hang out.
SPEAKER_02 (01:11):
Can you tell me a little bit about the history?
Because I know obviously this iswhat, the 18th annual?
SPEAKER_00 (01:16):
Yeah, so it is our 18th annual, cops and joggers.
A little bit of the history ofit is it was basically it was
meant to be a fundraiser for thefoundation, the Fawn Officers
Foundation.
And what we do with that fundingis we assist families of the
Fawn Officers to travel toeither Tallahassee or
(01:37):
Washington, D.C.
during National Police Week.
And we cover all their expensesand it gives them an opportunity
to go visit the monuments forthe fawn officers, and it
doesn't, they don't have toincur any expenses from it.
So it's a lot of the funding isused for for that.
And we also help or assist otherlike-minded organizations that
(02:00):
help with first responders andtheir families, such as the
Brotherhood Ride Code 3 Retreat,is another one.
So we we try to use the fundingagain for like-minded
organizations as well.
SPEAKER_01 (02:12):
So why or run?
SPEAKER_00 (02:13):
Wire run.
Mary Ellen.
SPEAKER_01 (02:15):
Everyone likes to run from the police.
I mean you're not wrong.
As our logo says, um, it's agreat opportunity for exercise,
but also fun.
It's something different.
We do it at night.
First couple years we did itduring the morning, and then we
decided to do it at night tomake it truly a family fun
event.
And like I said, it's not justthe run, we have other aspects
of it that allow police andchildren to interact.
SPEAKER_00 (02:38):
Yeah, and actually, when when we first started doing
it, the we weren't doing it atnight, like she said.
And then I I don't know, one oneof the board members, committee
members, somebody had said, Hey,why don't we do this at night?
We could line up the streetswith you know with with cop cars
and and make it really coollooking, and it just took off
from there.
So races weren't being done atnight, so it was very unique,
(03:01):
and it's just caught on andpeople like it.
SPEAKER_02 (03:03):
So and I think every year it's been getting bigger
and bigger.
It's what it seems like.
So, what is new this year?
SPEAKER_00 (03:11):
New.
Can we talk about new?
So, new is where we're trying toadd a little more just something
a little bit different.
We're possibly thinking of maybebringing on some entertainment.
So after the run is over, you'llbe able to sit back, relax, and
and hopefully enjoy someentertainment.
To be determined.
(03:32):
Started off with, you know,let's let's do uh a 5k.
And it's again, it's justevolved from there.
And it's almost a yearly thing.
I know a lot of people they planon it, they expect it.
Uh it was done during adifferent time or a different
month.
SPEAKER_01 (03:48):
During hurricane season, so unfortunately we had
to move it so everyone was usedto October, but we've changed it
twice because of hurricanes,unfortunately.
So now we're just gonna doJanuary, start off the new year,
new ideas, new things.
SPEAKER_02 (04:00):
I mean, the weather's better.
Let's be honest.
Except last year it was reallycold.
I'd rather run in cold.
I don't know, some people couldbe different, but I'd rather run
in the cold.
SPEAKER_00 (04:09):
Yeah, obviously I don't run, so but yeah, I've
I've heard, you know, mixedmixed feelings.
You know, most people do likerunning it in in the cold
weather or the colder weather, Ishould say.
But you know, this is Florida,it all depends.
One, it could be 60 degrees orit could be 80 degrees.
So, but the main thing is we didchange the month of when we do
it.
But again, you know, a lot ofpeople they they plan on, you
(04:32):
know, I'll be back next year.
We do have a lot of repeatrunners, they look forward to
their to their t-shirt, yeah,you know, to their goodie bags
and stuff like that.
So we like doing it, you know,it it definitely is for a great
cause.
Again, it's it's strictly tohelp out those families, those
fallen officers, and and andagain, of the like-minded
organizations.
(04:53):
So we enjoy doing it and we'lljust keep doing it until we
can't do it no more.
SPEAKER_02 (04:57):
I also think it's a great way to kick start your New
Year's resolution to have itlike a little bit past the new
year, and you really don't havean excuse.
Sign up for Cops and Juggers.
We got you.
Pretty much, pretty much.
So, what would you say toencourage people who still have
not done the race or just alittle encouragement to maybe
sign up?
SPEAKER_01 (05:15):
Come give it a try.
It's really like you can't sayenough.
A family fun event.
It's something unique.
You'll s the roads will be litup with police lights, there'll
be music, food, bounce housesfor the kids.
We have raffles, so make sureyou come early to buy some
raffle tickets, some really goodprizes, hotel stays, and
different other placesthroughout the city, car washes.
(05:38):
Just fun.
What should people andparticipants know what to
expect?
SPEAKER_02 (05:42):
Because obviously it's a night run.
So if they've never did a nightrun or participated in a night
run, what should they expectwhen they arrive?
SPEAKER_01 (05:49):
Arrive early.
We'll have package pickup around4 p.m.
that's Saturday.
Also on the Friday before the9th, we have package pickup at
Fleet Sheet from 12 to 6.
And just come with some money,come with friends, with kids,
and just have a great night.
And you can sign up day of,right?
Correct.
SPEAKER_00 (06:07):
Yeah.
Parking and always, you know,anticipate parking.
It is downtown.
Parking is limited.
Parking garages, you know, tryto utilize the parking garages.
And then it's also on aSaturday.
SPEAKER_01 (06:17):
Saturday, yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (06:18):
So again, you know, the just aside from the typical
downtown crowds, you know, thisis going to be more of a burden
for parking.
So definitely try to come early,get you know, get your parking
spot.
Again, utilize there's the twoparking garages downtown.
There's obviously the streetside parking, but just try to
prepare for that.
SPEAKER_02 (06:37):
And obviously, it's more than just a race.
We already talked about possiblepost-race entertainment.
SPEAKER_01 (06:43):
Yes.
SPEAKER_02 (06:43):
And obviously before the race, we have what the
obstacle course with SWAT andwhat else do we have?
SPEAKER_01 (06:48):
The bounce houses, food trucks, ice cream truck,
and games for the kids and justfun activities, music.
SPEAKER_02 (06:55):
Exactly.
So it's a little bit more thanjust a 5k that we put on for
people.
So for sure.
Yeah, yeah.
Yeah.
So there's something foreverybody for sure.
SPEAKER_01 (07:01):
There'll be raffles at the end.
Oh, yeah, I forgot about theraffles.
And you don't have to be presentto win.
As long as I can read your uhname and phone number, I'll call
you with a prize.
So make sure you write itlegibly.
Got it.
Before we close out, any finalthoughts?
We look forward to seeingeveryone there.
Get excited every year.
Love seeing it grow.
I know.
I'm excited to see what we havein store.
SPEAKER_00 (07:21):
Just as much as we are.
So, yeah, so come on out.
It's a good night.
Like, like like Mary Ellen said,it's it's a good night for the
family.
It's it's just a good laid-back,chill community event.
SPEAKER_01 (07:31):
Yes.
Get the community together.
SPEAKER_00 (07:33):
Nice community event.
The chief will be there.
You know, obviously a lot ofstaff will be there as well.
It's a big, it's a big deal forus, right?
We get a chance to honor ourfawn officers and it gives us a
chance to tell their stories.
Uh, you know, a lot of timespeople will come up and they'll
ask you, you know, about themand and you know what had
happened and all that otherstuff.
So it's a good time foreverybody, and it's it's it's a
(07:54):
good opportunity for the PD tomeet the uh the community and
and everybody that comes out.
So good times, good times.
SPEAKER_02 (08:00):
Perfect.
Yeah.
Well, I can't wait.
I know I'll be working it, but Iwish I could run it.
Maybe next year.
Yeah, maybe next year.
Or if you can walk in withwalkers, yes, walkers can do it.
SPEAKER_00 (08:10):
We have a lot of walkers.
SPEAKER_02 (08:11):
We have walkers, yeah.
I'll be walking nine monthspregnant.
I'm not sure if we're gonna doat that point.
I'll be in a golf cart.
Okay, we'll be all right here.
Well, thank you both for joiningme.
I can't wait for Cops andJoggers.
I know there's a lot of runnerswho are expecting it.
Also, there are awards, right?
Because I know we didn't talkabout that.
So we talked about the packageto pickup.
Tell me about the awards that wehave.
SPEAKER_01 (08:31):
We have trophies for the winner for each age group,
and then we also the secondthird of prizes get medals that
light up.
Okay.
SPEAKER_02 (08:38):
Well, I can't wait.
Thank you both for joining me.
The Cops and Joggers 5K is agreat opportunity to get active,
support a meaningful cause, andtake part in a night run that
brings our community together.
We hope to see a strong turnoutthis year, whether you're
running, walking, or cheeringfrom the sidelines.
Thank you for listening.
I'm Public Information OfficerMegan Fuentes, and we'll see you
(08:58):
at the starting line.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Burden
The Burden is a documentary series that takes listeners into the hidden places where justice is done (and undone). It dives deep into the lives of heroes and villains. And it focuses a spotlight on those who triumph even when the odds are against them. Season 5 - The Burden: Death & Deceit in Alliance On April Fools Day 1999, 26-year-old Yvonne Layne was found murdered in her Alliance, Ohio home. David Thorne, her ex-boyfriend and father of one of her children, was instantly a suspect. Another young man admitted to the murder, and David breathed a sigh of relief, until the confessed murderer fingered David; “He paid me to do it.” David was sentenced to life without parole. Two decades later, Pulitzer winner and podcast host, Maggie Freleng (Bone Valley Season 3: Graves County, Wrongful Conviction, Suave) launched a “live” investigation into David's conviction alongside Jason Baldwin (himself wrongfully convicted as a member of the West Memphis Three). Maggie had come to believe that the entire investigation of David was botched by the tiny local police department, or worse, covered up the real killer. Was Maggie correct? Was David’s claim of innocence credible? In Death and Deceit in Alliance, Maggie recounts the case that launched her career, and ultimately, “broke” her.” The results will shock the listener and reduce Maggie to tears and self-doubt. This is not your typical wrongful conviction story. In fact, it turns the genre on its head. It asks the question: What if our champions are foolish? Season 4 - The Burden: Get the Money and Run “Trying to murder my father, this was the thing that put me on the path.” That’s Joe Loya and that path was bank robbery. Bank, bank, bank, bank, bank. In season 4 of The Burden: Get the Money and Run, we hear from Joe who was once the most prolific bank robber in Southern California, and beyond. He used disguises, body doubles, proxies. He leaped over counters, grabbed the money and ran. Even as the FBI was closing in. It was a showdown between a daring bank robber, and a patient FBI agent. Joe was no ordinary bank robber. He was bright, articulate, charismatic, and driven by a dark rage that he summoned up at will. In seven episodes, Joe tells all: the what, the how… and the why. Including why he tried to murder his father. Season 3 - The Burden: Avenger Miriam Lewin is one of Argentina’s leading journalists today. At 19 years old, she was kidnapped off the streets of Buenos Aires for her political activism and thrown into a concentration camp. Thousands of her fellow inmates were executed, tossed alive from a cargo plane into the ocean. Miriam, along with a handful of others, will survive the camp. Then as a journalist, she will wage a decades long campaign to bring her tormentors to justice. Avenger is about one woman’s triumphant battle against unbelievable odds to survive torture, claim justice for the crimes done against her and others like her, and change the future of her country. Season 2 - The Burden: Empire on Blood Empire on Blood is set in the Bronx, NY, in the early 90s, when two young drug dealers ruled an intersection known as “The Corner on Blood.” The boss, Calvin Buari, lived large. He and a protege swore they would build an empire on blood. Then the relationship frayed and the protege accused Calvin of a double homicide which he claimed he didn’t do. But did he? Award-winning journalist Steve Fishman spent seven years to answer that question. This is the story of one man’s last chance to overturn his life sentence. He may prevail, but someone’s gotta pay. The Burden: Empire on Blood is the director’s cut of the true crime classic which reached #1 on the charts when it was first released half a dozen years ago. Season 1 - The Burden In the 1990s, Detective Louis N. Scarcella was legendary. In a city overrun by violent crime, he cracked the toughest cases and put away the worst criminals. “The Hulk” was his nickname. Then the story changed. Scarcella ran into a group of convicted murderers who all say they are innocent. They turned themselves into jailhouse-lawyers and in prison founded a lway firm. When they realized Scarcella helped put many of them away, they set their sights on taking him down. And with the help of a NY Times reporter they have a chance. For years, Scarcella insisted he did nothing wrong. But that’s all he’d say. Until we tracked Scarcella to a sauna in a Russian bathhouse, where he started to talk..and talk and talk. “The guilty have gone free,” he whispered. And then agreed to take us into the belly of the beast. Welcome to The Burden.