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This Sunday, the Nicholasville Police Department (NPD) will hold its annual community race in honor of fallen officer Burke Rhoads. 

Rhoads was killed in the line of duty in a car crash on March 11, 2015. 

The race is called “The Burke” and was launched after Rhoads’ death to continue his legacy. In honor of his badge number 574 and his love for fitness, the 5.74-kilometer race will take place on Sunday, March 3, starting at 2 p.m. around the grounds of East Jessamine High and Middle schools.

According to NPD Captain Alexis Jones, this is the fifth year the department has hosted the run. 

During the first year, the event raised money to buy fitness equipment for the department’s new building. Now, the event raises money for the families of other fallen officers across Kentucky in Rhoads’ honor.  

Jones said she knew Rhoads and worked very close with him. She was on shift the day Rhoads’ died. 

“Oh he was a super person,” Jones said. “He was one of those guys who was very by the book. You never questioned his integrity, you always knew Burke would do the right thing. And community was very important to him. I run a lot and I often run past the former home of an elderly gentleman- I believe a WWII veteran. Burke and I responded to a call at this man [Dalton’s] house and Burke just befriended him. They became such good buddies that Burke would take him to get ice cream. Burke just looked after him until Dalton passed away. That’s the kind of guy Burke was. So when I run past Dalton’s house, I think about both of them.”

To register for the race ahead of time, head to racerise.com. 

“I’d like people to come run or come cheer us on and hang out with us. It’ll be a great time. It’s a good opportunity for community togetherness,” Jones said.