Fuzz Run held to raise money for Officer Cooper
COVINGTON, Ga. - People by the thousands pounded the pavement in Newton County Saturday. It was all to support one of Covington’s finest, who remained in the hospital recovering from a gunshot wound he received in the line of duty.
The Fuzz Run took off in full support of Officer Matt Cooper Saturday morning in Covington.
“Seeing the police departments from Avondale to Griffin to all the other outlets just here supporting one of our own we're just pulling for him, pulling for Officer Cooper,” said supporter Kelvin Williams.
“We really wanted to come out here and support, you know, the police department after hearing what happened to the police officer who got shot,” said Kimberly Johnson.
Officer Cooper, 34, was shot in the head on Monday while responding to a shoplifting call at a Walmart. He underwent surgery Wednesday at Grady Memorial Hospital to relieve swelling on his brain. The shoplifting suspect ultimately took his own life.
Saturday, participants packed the pavement for the 35th Annual Fuzz Run. Some ran, others walked, but everyone focused on supporting Officer Cooper.
Entry fees and donations from posing for a picture with a replica police cruiser from "In The Heat of The Night" are going to Cooper's family.
“Probably an hour or so after Matt's accident happened, I started praying immediately and I know all of our Covington people have as well and I know they will keep it up,” said Dee Shaw, who played Sgt. Dee Shepherd in the show, which was shot in Covington.
The festivities came with purpose and gratitude from a hospital several miles away.
“I'm Kristen Cooper ... Matt Cooper's wife. I wanted to thank everyone for coming out to the Fuzz Run to support him," Kristin shared in a video. "There simply aren't enough thank yous to express how appreciative we are for the prayers, messages, and support. Please continue praying because miracles are happening.”
It was not immediately clear how much money was raised at the event.
The police department said the officer’s condition has pretty much remained the same, but he is getting plenty of rest.
The Fuzz Run supports the Police Who Care Fund which, in part, raises money to help officers who were injured or families of officers killed in the line of duty. Learn more by going to covingtonfuzzrun.com.