225-mile kayak voyage honors fallen first responders, military members – WTOP News
For the eighth year, Operation Deep Blue has honored police officers, firefighters and other first responders as well as selected military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The group, consisting of more than a dozen kayakers, began their journey at Mott State Park in Pennsville, N.J. It proceeded down the Delaware River, through the Chesapeake-Delaware Canal and Elk River into the Chesapeake Bay, then up the Potomac River to National Harbor and ultimately the Wharf.
This year, 14 individuals were honored. Their photos were attached to backpacks each of the kayakers wore as they paddled the 225-mile trip.
One of the honorees this year was Metropolitan Police Department Officer Terry Bennett, who, while assisting a motorist along D.C. 295 last December, was struck by an alleged drunk driver. Bennett died 15 days later.
His wife, Nadia, along with her 3-year-old son Elijah, attended a service honoring the fallen public servants, including her husband, Saturday at the Capital Yacht Club.
“I’m just thankful, appreciative of today and all of the efforts that everyone has done for Terry and continue to do so,” said Bennett. “Thank you from me and my son.”
A poignant eight-bell ceremony was held in honor of the 14 service members. The ritual is a maritime tradition that is meant to commemorate the death of a shipmate.
“I feel like I have so much support of M.P.D. and all of the public safety organizations in the community,” said Bennett.
Regarding the case of Officer Bennett’s death, Jerrold Coates of Northwest D.C. was arrested in January. Prosecutors have said Coates was drunk when he struck Officer Bennett. Coates is charged with second-degree murder while armed.
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