An expected 1,000 runners, walkers, wheelchair athletes and other participants will gather on June 13 at 7 p.m. in Eisenhower Park to honor the 16 Long Island resident police officers who gave their lives in the Sept. 11 tragedy in the 11th annual David Lerner Associates Police Appreciation Run. 2002 is the fifth consecutive year that David Lerner Associates has been key sponsor of this event which benefits the Police Crisis Fund, an organization which helps police officers and their families in need.

This year's event will take on additional significant importance as the 16 Long Island resident police officers who perished on Sept. 11 will be honored in pre-race ceremonies. Family members of these heroes have also been invited to join as "honored starters" of the run/walk.

"For the last 10 years, the Greater Long Island Running Club and our key sponsor since 1996, David Lerner Associates, have helped to say a well-deserved "thank you" to men and women police officers who risk their lives daily for our collective safety," said Ira Eskow, race director. David Lerner, president of David Lerner Associates, added: "This year's event focuses on those 16 police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. We simply can never honor them enough."

Over the past decade, the run/walk has raised thousands of dollars for the Police Crisis Fund which, through the benevolent efforts of the Nassau and Suffolk Police Running Clubs, has distributed thousands of dollars to needy police officers and their families. Recipients of funds are expected to be among the group of honorees.

"There's no better way to say 'thanks, let us honor you' than coming out and running, walking or even watching," said Detective John Conley, who heads the Nassau Police Running Club. Suffolk Police Running Club head Officer Scott Gorman adds: "People feel great being at this event, knowing that their race fee and other donations help needy police families."

The 11th annual David Lerner Associates Police Appreciation 5K Run/Walk will take place rain or shine on Thursday, June 13 at the Field House at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Events start at 7 p.m. Additional race information is available from the Greater Long Island Running Club at http://www.glirc.org or by calling the club at 349-7646.

The Police Crisis Fund helps needy police officers and their families. For additional information, please contact Ira Eskow of the Greater Long Island Running Club at 349-7646.

The Greater Long Island Running Club, headquartered in Plainview, is the largest running club on Long Island. Over 3,000 men, women and children are members. The group sponsors various running-related events throughout the year.