Tracy Wheeler, of Millersville, had tickets to the opening Raiders game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, but instead she wore her Raiders shirt to Columbia?s Centennial Park.
Hundreds gathered at the park with Wheeler to remember her husband, Scott Wheeler, a Howard County police corporal who died in the line of duty in June.
Scott was a devoted Raiders fan and had gotten the tickets long in advance.
“I had a rough night last night,” Tracy said, lifting the sunglasses hiding her eyes. “But I?m overwhelmed by the outcome. I wouldn?t have missed this for the world.”
The 16th annual Howard County Police Pace, a 5K race and one-mile walk to raise money for the county?s Police Foundation, was dedicated to Scott Wheeler, who died at 31 on June 18 ? two days after being struck by a vehicle he was attempting to stop for speeding.
The event raised almost $28,000 for the foundation, which donates proceeds to children and families of officers killed or injured in the line of duty, according to Howard police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn.
The foundation sponsors educational scholarships and awards, including one to a Howard County high school senior, to help the children of fallen officers. Families also receive support services from the foundation following tragedies, Llewellyn said.
“We lost an officer this year and we thought we should be here to show our support,” said Officer James Cox, an instructor for the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Academy. The class of 28 officers and their instructors formed a team for the race.
“We?re just happy everyone finished,” Cox said.
More than 50 runners, some as young as 9, were awarded for their performances in the race.
The Howard police reach out to the community with the annual race, which allows people to meet police officers, climb in the police helicopter, shake hands with the SWAT team or sit in a patrol car.
“The Police Department has been my support through this,” Tracy Wheeler said. “I?m happy to be here today.”
