BYRON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Just days ago, the Olympic torch finished its long journey to Pyeongchang to kick off the 2018 Olympics. Meanwhile, a Kent County Sheriff’s Department reserve deputy was preparing to carry a torch of his own.
Kent County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Squad Reserve Deputy Matt Garbarino plans to run across Michigan this summer to honor fallen law enforcement officers. He’ll carry the Thin Blue Line American Flag, which he explained represents solidarity with police and honors those who have died in the line of duty.
“I actually love running with it. I love training with it. It kind of makes people feel good when they see someone doing something like that,” Garbarino said when 24 Hour News 8 caught up with him Sunday as he trained.
Trudging through the February cold and snow carrying the flag is just another day of training for him.
“The run won’t be like racing something,” Garbarino said. “I’m not running for a time, I’m running for a purpose.”
His run this summer is for the 590 Michigan officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Full Story: WOOD TV