To the sound of bagpipes, 500 Cincinnatians stretched their muscles and jumped up and down as they prepared to raise money for New York's finest.

Runners participated Saturday in the 911 5K Run-Walk that benefited New York City police and firefighters. (Tony Jones photo) | ZOOM |

        They participated in Saturday's 911 5K Run-Walk to show support for the police officers and firefighters who lost their colleagues in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks yet continue to dedicate their lives to saving others.

        “It feels really good to be part of this coming together and sharing of a deep sense of loss. I want to do it as a show of gratitude and deep care,” said Sharma Browning, 50, of Kenwood.

        With the rest of the crowd, she bowed her head, prayed and sang the national anthem before heading out on the five-kilometer course, which started at Third and Walnut streets, crossed into Northern Kentucky, and returned to downtown Cincinnati.

        The event raised at least $3,000, with a final tally expected later this week. The money will go toward New York's 911 Disaster Relief Fund and New York State Fraternal Order of Police Fund.

        Many of Cincinnati's police and firefighters took part, including firefighters Kim Hoekstra, 45, of Monfort Heights and Joe Arnold, 36, of Anderson Township. Both were planning to attend a memorial service in New York today that was canceled, so they exercised for the cause here Saturday instead.

        There's not a day that goes by without them thinking of their colleagues in New York, and the sound of bagpipes caught both's attention.

        “This is something I can do,” Mr. Hoekstra said, standing with some other firefighters. “The brotherhood of firefighters and police are very close.”

        Said Mr. Arnold: “We're trying to help out in any way we can.”

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