FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Thousands of participants at the 11th Annual Support the Blue Run were among the first to see the Fresno Police Department’s new multimilliondollar helicopter on Saturday at Woodward Park in Northeast Fresno.<\/p>\n
The aircraft was on display throughout the event, offering runners, walkers and joggers a close look at the department’s latest technology.<\/p>\n
Organizers said the helicopter is equipped with advanced video and thermal imaging systems designed to help officers locate and apprehend suspects more safely.<\/p>\n
“Not only does it have video, it has thermal, it’s got things where they can see people, maybe someone is hiding in a yard, officers don’t have to go search, and they know who this person is and officers can safely apprehend ’em. Keep us safe as community members,” said Matthew Markarian, the organization’s executive director.<\/p>\n
About 4,000 people turned out for this year’s run, which supports the Fresno Police and Fire Chaplaincy. Proceeds help fund services ranging from crisis response for families to youth mentorship programs.<\/p>\n
“It’s wonderful to live in a community that loves its first responders. This is as far as we know one of the biggest runs in the nation for this… but in Fresno, the way we rally around our first responders, I hear it all throughout the year, police and fire telling me this is one of their favorite days,” Markarian said.<\/p>\n
The event is one of the nonprofit’s largest fundraisers, generating money the chaplaincy relies on to operate independently from city funding.<\/p>\n
“These funds are invaluable in this day in age where funds are tight. We are not part of the city, we are our own non-profit, so we raise all of our own funds,” Markarian said.<\/p>\n
Community members interested in supporting the chaplaincy can donate online or register for next year’s run.<\/p>\n
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