03/28/2024
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On October 17, 2018, southeastern North Carolina lost a public servant and humanitarian, North Carolina State Highway Patrol Master Trooper, Kevin Conner. Trooper Conner was shot and killed in the line of duty almost two years ago, but his memory lives. Trooper Conner’s family and friends organized the Trooper Kevin Conner Memorial Run in his honor.

One of the event organizers, Emily Dowless, remembered her friend saying, “Kevin had a contagious smile that immediately lit up the room. Everyone that knew Kevin loved him. Kevin was born and raised in Bladen County but has also called Columbus County his home.” 

She added, “To honor his legacy, the Trooper Kevin Conner Memorial Foundation was formed.”

The foundation donates scholarships to Bladen and Columbus County high school seniors. In honor of Trooper Conner, Sealey Sessions, daughter of Scott and Amy Sessions and Wesley Ward, son of Kris and Carol Ward, were two of the scholarship winners from Columbus County for 2020. 

Gabriel Barber, son of George and Sonya Barber, and Alyssa Bell, daughter of Scott and Mary Bell, were the two Bladen County Class of 2020 scholarship winners benefiting from Conner’s legacy. 

Since the Class of 2020 scholarships has been distributed, it is time for the 2020 Trooper Kevin Conner Memorial Run. The event will take place on October 17, 2020. According to event organizers, last year’s run was a huge success, with over 900 runners participating. “It was the largest organized race ever in Columbus County,” they said.

The 2020 event will be the second annual Trooper Kevin Conner 5K and 1 mile run in memory of Trooper Conner’s life and his dedication to protecting communities. All proceeds from the event will go into a scholarship fund in memory of Trooper Conner.

“This year, due to COVID-19, we will have safety measures in place and will offer a virtual option,” Dowless stated. 

The race will start and end in downtown Whiteville, NC, at 422 S Madison Street. The virtual race will be held October 16 through the 18th. Register now by visiting, https://its-go-time.com/trooper-kevin-conner-memorial-run/

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact Emily Dowless at emilydowless@hotmail.com or Anna Gore at annasgore@gmail.com for more information. 

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