Most of us shed layers when preparing to take a walk or before we venture into the world of 5K races or half or full marathons.
But not Boca Raton Fire Rescue Lt. Sara Jacobsen.
Nope. She added layers. Really heavy ones. And for good reason.
You could say I (almost literally) ran into Jacobsen in the most unlikely of places—along Northwest Seventh Street at 7:40 a.m. on a Sunday morning. We were among hundreds participating in the 13th Annual Run for the Ribbons 5K event on Feb. 4, benefiting the patients of the Lynn Cancer Institute and its cancer support program, League of Ribbons.
Jacobson was not only helping to save our planet along the route by carrying a plastic bag to pick up trash, she was also showing some love for a colleague and friend gone too soon.
And she was wearing firefighter gear from her neck to her ankles.
“I’m out here running for Lauren,” says Jacobsen.
Boca Raton Police Officer Lauren Kresse lost her valiant fight against cancer in mid-January. She was an instructor in the Boca Raton Police Training Unit, making sure local officers had the training and equipment necessary to do their jobs safely. Kresse was also a long-serving member of the Boca Raton Police Honor Guard.
“Lauren had the type of energy that when she walked in a room, she’d make anybody laugh…anybody smile,” says Jacobsen. “She was 44 years old and she passed away from ovarian cancer. She worked for the City for 20 years.”
Jacobsen honored Kresse every step of the way.
Weeks prior and every day since, the City of Boca Raton, family, friends and colleagues have found ways to honor the fallen officer, including a moving memorial service on the campus of Florida Atlantic University.
The Boca Raton Police Department shared, “Lauren’s bright and bold personality positively influenced everyone she interacted with. She was fiercely loyal to the people and things she loved, and her unwavering passion for law enforcement was evident throughout her career.”
In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe has been set up to support a college fund for Officer Lauren Kress’ young children. If you would like to make a donation, please click here.
Click here to learn why PK participated in the 5K and be sure to follow Paige at PaigeKornblue.com and @PaigeKornblueMedia for Community, News, Sports, Travel and more!
