Have you ever walked a mile in a police officer’s shoes? With the recent rise in law enforcement deaths, North Yarmouth resident John Brubaker thinks it’s time for others to do so — and the inaugural Blue Ribbon Walk was planned.

Brubaker announced in a statement Tuesday that he has planned a two-day, 50-mile trek from the Maine State Police barracks in Gray to state police headquarters in Augusta. 

The walk takes place Sept. 10-11. 

He said the idea of the walk is “to take the lead in supporting law enforcement and their families by walking in their shoes.”

According to Brubaker’s statement, the funds raised will benefit Concerns of Police Survivors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides assistance to families of fallen officers through peer support, scholarships, counseling programs and other resources.

Maine State Troopers Association President Aaron Turcotte said he and other troopers are proud to support this event and “to honor the men and women behind the badge who have paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities.” 

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Brubaker said this is “an outward gesture of support and appreciation for law enforcement officers all over the country.”

Although the walk is headquartered in Maine, teams will be participating in 15 other states, Brubaker said. 

In-state participants will be accompanied by state police escorts as well as officials from Sheriff’s Offices in Cumberland, Androscoggin and Kennebec counties.

“This is your chance to honor our law enforcement officials and show appreciation for the sacrifices they and their families make,” Brubaker said. 

Anyone interested in walking or donating can sign up at BlueRibbonWalk.com.


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