by George Banker
First Responders are an integral part when it comes to special events, including running events. The individuals and the organizations take on a different role to bring a different skill set to the event planning process. There was an individual who was assigned to the Pentagon Force Protection Agency in 2009 until his passing in 2021. Lt. Reggie T Kim demonstrated professionalism in developing plans and treatment strategies to mitigate risks. He understood the foundation of crowd management and its value to the Army Ten-Miler organization, balancing the interaction between the venue, event staff, and crowd risks.
Lt. Kim was quoted in “The Shield – Summer 2014, “I’m a people person, and I enjoy hearing everyone’s opinion. This unit is all about the relationships you build and what you can accomplish together. I am here to make that difference.
“I’m very dedicated to DoD. I live by the core values of honor, courage, and commitment in everything that I do.”- Reggie Kim
In 2022 the Army Ten-Miler implemented the Lt. Reggie T. Kim First Responder Award which is open to all federal (non-military) and civilian law enforcement and medical agency teams.
“Lieutenant Kim was a dedicated partner to the Military District of Washington Army Ten Miler team for over twelve consecutive years before his sudden death in December of 2021. He was admired and loved by all for his passion, humor, commitment, and selfless service. He was intellectual, instinctive, resolute, and most of all indomitable. Lieutenant Kim earned respect and admiration from his leadership and peers; he exemplifies the true spirit of a devoted professional. He will forever be remembered as an outstanding Police Officer, Navy Veteran, Patriot, Friend, and Loving Husband. He was the longest-serving interagency partner and an esteemed ambassador to many of our Federal, State, and Local law enforcement partners and communities. It is our hope that he will be honored each year when we recognize winners of the First Responder Award,” stated John Lease, Joint Task Force National Capital Region / Military District of Washington Army Ten-Miler Law Enforcement Liaison and Coordinator.
In the last two years the US Park Police have demonstrated their dominance on the roads. The high marks were set in 2022, and the US Park Police followed up 2022 to send the message that they are the team to beat. While in uniform all agencies work together but on race day it is down to the fastest agency to get the trophy.
The scoring members for the US Park Police were Kobie Lane (1:01:41), Rubin Taylor (1:07:11), Thomas Twiname (1:09:21), and Joel Ostrow (1:11:10).
The additional runners were Jonathan Samuels (1:14:14), Gaston Reid (1:27:41), and Christopher Cunningham (1:57:50).
“In conclusion of the 40th Anniversary Army Ten-Miler, the United States Park Police won first place in the Lt. Reggie T. Kim First Responder Division. This victory marks the third consecutive year for the United States Park Police. Several of the running team members worked closely with Lt. Kim and they are proud to honor his memory by winning the division,” stated team captain Joe Castro (Finish time 1:57:50).
The Pentagon Force Protection Agency was represented by the following members, Jason Hunter (1:26:01), Jobi Joseph (1:36:59), Even Hatley (1:43:01), and Joshua Messich (1:43:43).
Who will claim the trophy for 2025?
Categories: Features
Runner's Gazette 
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