Back the Blue NC Hosts 5K to Honor Fallen Officers in Raleigh

A 5K run dedicated to honoring fallen law enforcement officers took place on Saturday morning in Raleigh, North Carolina. The event, organized by the non-profit organization Back the Blue NC, aimed to pay tribute to officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This year, two North Carolina law enforcement members were memorialized: Officer Gabriel Stainback, who was killed while off-duty in Concord, and Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes, who died on June 30, 2025.

Participants in the Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Honor Run, which began and concluded on Law Enforcement Drive, included dozens of deputies, officers, and civilians. The 3.1-mile route took runners along Battle Bridge Road, down and back Brown Field Road, and through Range Drive and Victory Lane, before returning to the finish line.

Community Support for Law Enforcement Families

Retired police officer’s daughter Samantha Powelson expressed the importance of community support for families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. “I feel like any family that loses a loved one, especially for a career choice, protecting and serving the community needs all the support they can get,” she said.

U.S. Marshal Glen McNeil also shared his sentiments during the event, reflecting on the tragic losses within the law enforcement community. “I had the unfortunate occurrence of burying quite a few North Carolina state troopers,” he stated. “So, to be here for this honor roll and to celebrate our fallen, it’s an honor for me to be here, to participate.”

The event coincided with National Police Officer Day, as noted by Lindsay Licausi, Founder and CEO of Back the Blue NC. She encouraged the public to express gratitude towards local law enforcement, highlighting their dedication and the risks they undertake to serve their communities.

Impact and Purpose of the Honor Run

Back the Blue NC aims to provide support to the families of fallen officers. The organization focuses on financial assistance, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds from events like the Honor Run go directly to these families. Licausi emphasized the ongoing commitment to help those left behind. “That family is left without their loved ones,” she remarked. “So what we do is we step in to assist financially.”

Powelson, reflecting on her ties to law enforcement, praised the organization for its role in supporting the tight-knit community. She remarked, “Coming from a law enforcement family, it’s a great organization that helps support law enforcement.”

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, a total of 630 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty in North Carolina since records began in 1827. These fatalities include various causes such as gunfire, traffic accidents, assaults, and job-related illnesses.

As the community gathered to honor their heroes, the event served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and the enduring impact of their service. For those wishing to support Back the Blue NC and its mission, further information is available through their official channels.