First Run to Remember to benefit Michael Browning Memorial Scholarship

West Chicago, Illinois: April 10, 2013 – Every day, brave men and women wearing the uniform of public law enforcement agencies throughout this nation, risk their lives in the line of duty protecting and defending the communities they serve. West Chicago's Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 85, in partnership with the West Chicago Park District, is honoring the memory of one of their own who gave his life in the line of duty 21 years ago.

Michael Browning, a 1987 graduate of West Chicago Community High School, pursued his dream of becoming a police officer in his hometown by attending the College of DuPage where he majored in Criminal Justice. He joined the West Chicago Police Department as a Police Cadet in 1988 and held that position until August 25, 1991 when he took the oath to become a full-time police officer for the City of West Chicago. Less than one year later, on April 20, 1992, Officer Browning responded to the scene of a crime in progress at a local car dealership, and was killed in the line of duty.

The dedication of Michael Browning Way, a West Chicago roadway at the intersection of Route 38 and Route 59 in 2007 brought family, friends, fellow officers and elected officials to the unveiling of a street sign that memorializes his service to the community, and a scholarship fund was established in his name.

The 1st Annual Michael Browning Memorial Scholarship Run to Remember, scheduled on April 20, 2013, marks the anniversary of the fateful day that took his life and will support the scholarship fund that assists students pursuing a career in criminal justice. All proceeds raised will go toward the fund.

The Michael Browning Memorial Scholarship Run to Remember 5K run/walk begins and ends at Turner Elementary School, 750 Ingalton Street in West Chicago. The course circles through several streets in West Chicago including National Street, Arbor Avenue, Hawthorne Street, Washington Street and Fremont Street. (Streets used are subject to change) Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers (male and female) in each of six age categories. Runners' times will be taken at the mile markers and results will be posted after the race.

Registration for the race may be completed online at www.we-goparks.org or www.racetime.info. The race fee is $25 for each pre-registered runner/walker and $18 for each additional runner/walker in the same household. Day of race registration is $30 for each participant.

“We will never forget the sacrifice made by Officer Browning to the community he so loved, and wish to honor him through this Run to Remember and through the money it will raise for his scholarship fund,” said West Chicago Police Detective and member of FOP Lodge 85, Robbi Peterson.