The weatherman gave Long Island a bit of a break on Thursday evening, June 5 and the skies over Eisenhower Park cleared just in time for the 7 p.m. start of the 12th annual David Lerner Associates Long Island Police Appreciation Run.

When the dust had settled, a bevy of local athletes had won awards: 28-year-old Will Hansler of Massapequa, representing NYPD, who was fourth overall and first in the Law Enforcement Division, Don Francisco of Massapequa, another NYPD officer who scored as the second Master (age 40 plus) in the Law Enforcement Division, John Daly of Massapequa, third in the 45-49 age group, Geza Feld of Farmingdale, who took second place honors in the 65-69 age group, and John Niesen of Massapequa Park, who finished third in the 75 and over age group.

Kevin McQuillen of Amityville, an accomplished singer as well as a runner, did the running community proud with his rendition of our national anthem in the moments before the start of the run.

It was a banner day for the host Greater Long Island Running Club, and especially for the Long Island Police Crisis Fund that provides financial assistance to local law enforcement officers and their families in time of personal emergencies. All the returns aren't in yet, but a substantial sum was raised through the run and nearly 700 entrants and 550 finishers helped say "thank you" to the great men and women of our local police forces for all they do for us!

Staging an event like the David Lerner Associates Long Island Police Appreciation Run is not an easy job and a huge vote of thanks goes to Race Director Ira Eskow of the host Greater Long Island Running Club for all his effort and to David Katz of Finish Line Road Race Technicians for his usual thoroughly professional and competent job of assuring quick and accurate results and to Sherry Bellovin of North Massapequa, who served as the coordinator of volunteers for this year's run.

A very special vote of thanks to David Lerner, Marty Lerner, Susan Lipsig and all the other outstanding people who make up the David Lerner Associates family. The continued support of this outstanding corporate citizen is absolutely essential to the success of this event and of the Long Island Police Crisis Foundation that is the sole beneficiary of the entire net proceeds of the run.

Thanks also go to KeySpan Corporation and Long Island Track & Field for once again allowing this event to be a part of the KeySpan Grand Prix of Long Island Road Races.