On November 25th, 2020, during his tour of duty, our Dearborn Police family lost our colleague Sgt. Christopher Hampton to suicide. Chris was a wonderful human being, a caring friend, a loving son, brother and father, and an amazing Police Officer. The Dearborn Police Officer’s Charity decided to start this run/walk in 2021 in Chris’ memory, as his passing brought to light the importance of raising awareness of all those who suffer from anxiety, depressive and other mental health issues – particularly first responders, who often remain silent about these same struggles.
Partnering with the City of Dearborn and Trivium Racing, our inaugural event was a great success, heavily support by our community who turned-out to sponsor, support, volunteer and participate. 2024’s 4th 5K was our biggest and best so far. Keeping Chris’ memory alive, we continue to work with his family to present each event with a theme based on his vast love of ‘80’s movies. Past themes Robo Cop, Back to the Future, and last year’s wildly popular Ghostbusters, bring fun and connection and fond memories for all, even in raising awareness of a very serious topic. This year we’re excited to announce Rocky as the theme for the 5th Annual Chris Hampton Memorial 5K. We chose this specific date in May this year to coincide with the end of National Police Week, a time when officers who lost their lives in the line of duty are recognized and honored.
Also returning in 2025 is our empowering sponsor and ally in working to eliminate the stigma of mental illness, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Blue Cross shares our mission to end stigma and to normalize the conversation around mental health by supporting events just like ours. An incredible partner to have in this space, Blue Cross works with a number of statewide specialists such as their Mental Health Advocate, former Detroit Lions Quarterback, Eric Hipple who will also be joining us again this year at the event.
Our charity beneficiary this year is The Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network, which is a grassroots organization that has been serving Michigan and beyond since 1989. The Network delivers prevention trainings to youth, educators, first responders, health care providers, and the community at large throughout the state. Our goal is to help destigmatize mental illness and encourage help seeking behavior. Their outreach program supports individuals impacted by suicide through education, advocacy, connection to resources and support those impacted by suicide.
As we continue to grow, our goals for this 5K will remain the same: to reach more people, add new participants, bring light and awareness and connection to those who have lost someone, or who are they themselves struggling with depressive illnesses, and to continue to raise funds for service organizations like Call for Backup, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors, and this year's beneficiary, The Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network.
Whether you are struggling yourself, are a suicide survivor or survivor family, or an ally and advocate of first responders, or just want to come out to test your athletic abilities or stretch your legs in a beautiful spring park setting, we WELCOME YOU to the 5th Annual Chris Hampton Memorial 5K! PLEASE JOIN US! We believe you’ll be glad you did.
