At 13, Kristin was homeless and addicted to drugs. Without the intervention of an Edmonton Police officer, she would have been one more life lost to the streets. Instead, the officer advocated on her behalf and made sure Kristin received the help she desperately needed.
On Sunday, Kristin ran in the EPS Half Marathon as an act of reconciliation.
“When you’re a troubled youth, you view the police as the enemy,” Kristin said. “That cycle has been broken because I decided to amend my relationship with Edmonton Police.”
At the finish line, Chief Warren Driechel draped a medal around Kristin’s neck.
“This is the third time she’s run this event,” the Chief said. “It’s heartwarming to recognize this accomplishment for her.”
For Kristin, the race was about more than the physical accomplishment of running 10 kilometres. It was an affirmation of the power trust and belief can have in a person’s life.
“It will always impact me that they never looked down on me,” Kristin said. “That they saw me as someone who was struggling and still chose to help.”
Kristin was one of 750 runners who took part in this year’s race.
The EPS Half Marathon is an opportunity for community engagement and to support the Edmonton Police Foundation in its efforts on behalf of the Edmonton Police Service.
The event was organized by Elisha Jackson of the Edmonton Police Foundation, with assistance from Superintendent Derek McIntyre, Inspector Jason Mitzel, Detective Brad Redl, and Syl Lemelin of Fitness and Active Lifestyle Unit. Sergeant Billy Countryman of Disaster Emergency Operations and Planning Section (DEOPS) also contributed to the planning and execution of the race.
Staff Sergeant David Crisp was the Major Event Commander and coordinated EPS support on the course.
Community sponsors included: Loblaw Companies Ltd., Running Room, Axon, Commissionaires, Nia Health, Pro Office Repairs and Services, Accident Support Services, Canadian Springs, Rapid Relief Team, and Supplement King.
Special thanks to all the EPS units and personnel who contributed their time and efforts to make the EPS Half Marathon a huge success!
