Two Sarasota Police Department Officers have returned from the trip of a lifetime.  Detective Steven Fergus and Officer Brandon Vermillion recently traveled to Quito, Ecuador and nearly hiked to the summit of Chimborazo.  It was to raise awareness and money for the Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc.

The Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc., is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring America’s fallen law enforcement heroes.  Nearly 24,000 Officers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the United States since 1791.  27 of those heroes have lost their life so far in 2019.

“As a law enforcement Officer, it’s important to remember how dangerous our job can be,” said Detective Fergus.  “In honor of those who lost their lives in the line of duty, we started this fundraiser and all the proceeds are going to the Officer Down Memorial Page.”

Chimborazo is a volcano that has a peak elevation of 20,564 feet at the summit.  The goal of the Officers was to raise the blue line flag at the summit to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.  Due to unsafe weather conditions and altitude sickness, their hiking guide turned the Officers back for safety reasons at 17,060 feet.  However, the Officers still raised the blue line flag to honor the nearly 24,000 Officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice. 

The Officers are now challenging fellow law enforcement agencies to help spread the honor for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.  They are hoping to raise $2,500 to donate back to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc.  Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/hike-the-blue-line      Additional photos and information can be found at https://www.instagram.com/hike.the.blue.line/

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