REEDLEY – Hundreds of community members gathered outside the Reedley Police Department on an early morning to honor the memory of Cpl. Javier Bejar, who died in the line of duty in 2010.
The Reedley Police Department hosted the inaugural Cpl. Javier Bejar Memorial Run on Feb. 21, inviting community members to walk or run a 5K or 10K in Bejar’s memory. All proceeds from the run went to support the Reedley Police Department Explorers Program, where Bejar got his start in his law enforcement career in 1997.
“To everybody participating today, we thank you for standing with law enforcement, for honoring sacrifice and service,” Reedley Police Chief Marc Ediger said. “As we begin this walk/run, I ask that you take a moment to reflect on why we are here and who we are honoring. Every step today represents remembrance, gratitude and commitment.”
Bejar was a United States Marine Corps veteran and joined the Reedley Police Department after serving in the military. He was shot on Feb. 25, 2010, while assisting a Fresno County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was serving a search warrant on a Minkler resident, and died from his injuries on March 1. He was 28.
Before the run, Reedley American Legion Post 35 also presented a memorial plaque to Bejar’s parents, recognizing Bejar’s service to the country and city.
