“Matthew worked incredibly hard to have the life and career that he did,” Jennifer told the OBSERVER. “He would do anything for anyone, so to be able to give young adults a start with their college education — a start to their future — through a scholarship in his memory puts joy in our hearts.”

Hazelton served as a K-9 officer during the last two years of his career and was one of the highest-producing officers of the police department in terms of both traffic tickets and arrests. He was active on the department’s Dive Team and Special Response Team, and was posthumously awarded the Kevin Link Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement in 2017. Last summer, a plaque in his memory was installed in front of the Dunkirk Police Station to honor his many years of service to the community.

Jennifer was pleased that last year, two scholarships were awarded to students interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement at JCC. At Dunkirk High School’s class night last June, Jennifer congratulated Sara Centner and Jamall Gaines, the first two recipients of the Matthew Hazelton Memorial Scholarship. She is looking forward to awarding two $1,000 scholarships in her husband’s honor this year, too.

On Sunday, July 14, this year’s 5K run/walk will begin at 9 a.m. from the pavilion located behind the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 30 Lake Shore Drive East in Dunkirk. It should be noted that the walk will cover a shorter distance than the run.

The second annual 5K run/walk in honor of Dunkirk Police Officer Matthew Hazelton, who passed away in 2017, is planned for Sunday, July 14 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Dunkirk.

Registration is open online at itsyourrace.com (search “Matthew Hazelton Memorial 5K”). Day-of-race registration is $25 for adults and $20 for children; those who pre-register will receive a $5 discount. Family/group registrations at discounted rates are also available online. All registrants will receive a t-shirt; to guarantee size, register by June 25.

Pre-registration packets can be picked up in the pavilion on Saturday, July 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. or on race day from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. A picnic lunch will be provided after the race, and age group awards will be presented, along with awards for the overall top male and female runners. For more information, email Darren McIntyre at dmcintyre@dunkirkpolice.com.