First NATPRO Race Supports Walton Pond, Wounded Warriors

Farmington Police Officer Jason Raines and Sgt. Ken Miller presented the proceeds from the first annual Nations Protectors Trail Race Wednesday at . With them was Avon Police Officer and Sgt. Eric Lundell, of Charlie Company 1-102 Infantry.

The event, held Oct. 16, was organized by the Farmington Police Department to benefit the Save Walton Pond Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project.

The race challenged civilian teams to face police, fire and military teams on a 5-mile obstacle course designed by Raines, a local SWAT member. The course wound through the woods of Winding Trails with mud pits, water crossings, a tire course and other challenges.

The first year’s event drew 326 participants and raised $9,702 to be split between the Save Walton Pond Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Keith Garbart and Bailey Dailey received the check for Winding Trails. The Save Walton Pond project involved removing the wildlife from Walton Pond, dredging it and replacing dams to preserve the life of the pond, which is used for education and is home to the Eastern Pond Mussel, a state-listed special concern species.

The Wounded Warrior Project provides help for injured service members and their families as they come home and build new lives.

"This was a great community policing event that was beneficial for two organizations that support overall public safety and education," Raines said. "We're hoping to make it a yearly event."