More than 1,000 participate in road race in honor of Cole

By Mark Huard

NORRIDGEWOCK — More than 1,000 runners and walkers came together for a half-marathon and a 5k in honor of Corp. Eugene Cole, of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department.
Four months ago, Cole was killed in the line of duty.

The man who’s alleged to have shot Cole, John D. Williams, led police on a four-day manhunt before he was caught and arrested.
In a situation that could tax any agency, and even a profession, to its limits, the community came together, and said “We will,” after Cole’s death, coming together around the family and the sheriff’s department.
Weeks after Cole was killed, six community members began organizing this 5k to raise money in his name. Jessica Gleason was one of the main organizers of the road race, and she said that enough money was raised to put several recruits through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy as well as start a scholarship fund that will sustain itself. Those involved attribute the upwards of $45,000 raised to the fact that thetragedy touched everyone in all economic statuses, all professions and all circumstances.
The runners Aug. 19 included law enforcement agencies, local businesses, professionals and community members. The community was greeted at the starting line by Shirely Cole, Cole’s wife, who thanked organizers for their efforts.

PHOTO: Race Director Jessica Gleason and Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster at the Aug. 19 road race that raised money in the name of Somerset Cpl. Eugene Cole, who was killed in the line of duty in April. (Tawni Lively/Central Maine Photography photo)