Putnamville– The Putnamville District of the Indiana State Police is soliciting help from local runners and walkers to raise money for an organization known in Indiana as “Bolt for the Heart”. This organization will utilize all monies raised to purchase AEDs for troopers patrolling our roadways. AEDs or Automated External Defibrillators are a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses a life-threatening cardiac episode and will treat the victim through defibrillation (application of electrical therapy) and reestablish an effective rhythm of the heart. Many lives in Indiana and around the country have been saved using this device.
Bolt for the Heart has already donated well over 200 AEDs to the Indiana State Police with a commitment to donate another 250 until every ISP road patrol vehicle is equipped with an AED.
So, if you are looking for a fun way to get some exercise and help put an AED in every trooper’s car, it’s as easy as signing up to be part of our 5K Family Fun Run. The run will be held on November 17, 2017 starting at 8:00 am until 11:00 am, and will utilize the Heritage Trail near Terre Haute, with the starting location at the Jones Trailhead, just south of the intersection of US 40 and Chamberlain Road. Runners or walkers will then make their way west on the Heritage Trail for 1.55 miles and then return to the starting line for a total of 3.1 miles (5K).
The 5K run/walk is self-paced and is a great way to put down the electronics and so something fun as a family while supporting a worthy cause that could save a life. One or more state troopers will be present during this allotted time and will be happy to speak to the runners about the AEDs and various other law enforcement topics. When you arrive to participate in the Run, if you do not yet have your runner’s bib and medal from Bolt For the Heart, be sure to bring a copy of your registration receipt to be part of the fun. Registration will not be available on site as this is not your typical 5K race with registration, timing, etc…
If you choose to not participate at the physical location on November 17th, you can complete a ‘virtual” 5K (3.1 miles) run or walk on your own time and at any location; such as, your home, your gym facility, or one of the many public parks or trails in the Wabash Valley.
To register, simply visit the Bolt for the Heart website at http://boltfortheheart.com/events/virtual-race-5k/ and sign up. The $20 entry fee will include a 2017 Custom Finisher Medal and Commemorative Race Bib. Once your complete your 5K run or walk, you can send your finishing time and a photo or two using the hashtag #LetsBolt on your social media posts. As part of the entry process, the link will ask you what county you reside, thus allowing your entry fee monies to purchase AEDs for troopers in your area.
“All of us have a loved one or someone we care about who has, or is at risk, of heart disease or a heart attack. This device could make the difference between life and death for that person(s). My family and I fully understand the risk of heart disease and the importance of this life saving device. Our desire is that you do too and we hope to have a great turnout for this Virtual 5k run/walk. My family and many of our district troopers and their families will be participating. Please consider getting on board to help us, help you and the ones you love”, commented Lieutenant Dan Jones, Commander of the Putnamville District.
The ISP Putnamville District challenges running clubs, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, prison employees and fire/EMS agencies to participate.
If running “isn’t your thing”, you can still help out by making a donation of any amount to Bolt For The Heart. All funds raised from the run or donated will go towards the purchase of additional AED’s.
To Donate Click This Link and Then Click the “Donate” Tab
Any questions about the Putnamville District event, feel free to contact ISP Sergeant Joe Watts at 765.653.4114. 
