It has grown into something more than a benefit run for Roanoke Rapids Police Officer John Taylor. It has grown into a celebration of life and a remembrance for fallen officers.
The Officer John Taylor 5K Recovery Run is set for April 16 at T.J. Davis Recreation Center, said Detective Joe Puhak of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.
During the planning Puhak discovered the run was turning into something more than a benefit to help Taylor, who survived a November 17 shooting after stopping a vehicle on Interstate 95. “There were a lot of people who gathered for John when it happened and afterward. This is just not for John. It’s more a celebration for the people who helped John. It’s a celebration of life. It’s a celebration of his life.”
The planning for the event, which begins with registration at 6:15 a.m., has gone well, Puhak said. “It’s been a humbling experience for (Roanoke Rapids) Officer Mike Moseley and myself.”
Runners are expected to come from up and down the East Coast and a runner in Texas, who will not make the trip to Roanoke Rapids but has sent a donation, will run on the same day as the race, Puhak said. “Something like this brings people together.”
Initially a fundraiser to help Taylor defray medical expenses, the race has grown into a fundraiser which will also raise funds for one of the event’s primary sponsors, the Police Benevolent Association. “It’s to help him prepare for unexpected medical expenses and the PBA to better equip itself for families who have lost officers.”
Puhak said Taylor approached him and made a request. “He said his family has been very fortunate and he would like to give back to the families who are not as fortunate.”
Support has been overwhelming. “There has been overwhelming support from sponsors that we are going to thank on the day of the race through T-shirts, banners and flyers. We’ve had good support from local churches which are going to pray, run and volunteer.”
Puhak said organizers are inviting all community churches to come and support the race through prayer circles or by volunteering through other ways.
Taylor has said in past interviews the prayers and support he received following the shooting helped his recovery. “When Master Officer Moseley and I were planning this, we thought it was nothing short of an act of God. You never know when you might lose the gamble. Sometimes you draw up the short straw. Thank God John survived.”
Puhak said the Recovery Run will be a certified race so runners can have their time recorded.
Registration on race day lasts through 7:45 a.m. and then there will be a mile walk and fun run for short distance runners. The 5K will be held soon after the fun run.
The PBA’s assistance in the race planning was appreciated and needed, Puhak said. “They were something like a corporate think tank. They helped us organize it on an official level.”
Puhak also looks forward to running with Taylor in the race. “It will be a sense of relief to run with my buddy. He and I worked side by side. The run will be a release of positive energy. I think the same thing goes for Officer Moseley.”
Puhak encourages the community to come and support the race.
Taylor said he was honored by Puhak and Moseley planning the race. “They came up with an idea that represented who I am.”
Taylor said it is important the PBA be helped through this race. “It’s not so much about me but the law enforcement community.”
For more information or to volunteer email Puhak at
