At the close of National Police Week, over 900 law enforcement supporters attended the 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at Dover International Speedway, honoring all of America's law enforcement heroes and supporting the work of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Event goers were treated to trackside tours, performances by bagpipers, and a Q&A appearance by driver Greg Biffle of the No. 16 3M car. Then, they headed to the grandstands to take in the Autism Speaks 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
In the pre-race ceremony at the track, Mark Rossi, Vice President of Marketing for Dover Motorsports, presented the Memorial Fund with a check for $21,500 based on proceeds from a special promotion offered to members of the law enforcement community for the race. An additional $10,000 was raised through the sale of special race t-shirt, which are still available from the NLEOMF.
Joining NLEOMF Chairman and CEO Craig W. Floyd on stage to accept the check were survivors Kim Renninger and Jim Syler, the wife and partner of Lakewood (WA) Police Sergeant Mark Renninger, who was murdered along with three of his co-workers on November 29, 2009. Race fans were asked to observe a moment of silence for all law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, immediately followed by "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes.
Sergeant Renninger was a huge NASCAR fan -- in particular, a fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Prior to the race, Dale Jr. greeted Kim and Officer Syler trackside, a special honor for a fallen hero who loved NASCAR racing.
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