From Kim McCormick Director of the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce:
The Willow Springs community has a lot to be proud of when it comes to its local law enforcement
officers, and the recent I Ran From the Cops 5K & Walk was a wonderful example of that community
connection.
The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize Officers Joe Barnhouse, Corey
Clark and Katie Kreusen of the Willow Springs Police Department for the outstanding role they
played in this year’s event.
Officers Clark and Kreusen went above and beyond in their interaction with participants. They didn’t
just show up to provide support for the race, they became part of the event. They chased down
runners, encouraged participants and spent time visiting and laughing with people along the course
and at the finish line. Their positive attitudes helped create the fun, lighthearted atmosphere that
makes the I Ran From the Cops event so special.
Officer Barnhouse brought his own brand of fun to the event by driving the course, interacting with
runners and “chasing” participants down in his vehicle. His presence along the route added another
element of excitement and helped make the event enjoyable for runners and spectators alike.
Officer Clark deserves a special mention for the commitment he made to this year’s race. After
participating in the event last year, he spent the following year taking up running and training for the
next race. Running a 5K is challenging enough, but doing it repeatedly while wearing full police gear
is no small feat.
Officer Clark repeatedly chased runners across the finish line, then stopped to visit with participants
before heading back out to chase down the next group. His willingness to put himself out there and
participate alongside the community demonstrated an incredible level of commitment to making the
event successful.
What stood out most was that these officers weren’t simply providing police support for a community
event. They were actively participating in it. They were laughing with residents, encouraging
runners, creating memories and showing the community a different side of the men and women who
serve and protect Willow Springs every day.
The I Ran From the Cops 5K is designed to bring law enforcement and the community together in a
fun and positive way. Officers Barnhouse, Clark and Kreusen embraced that mission
wholeheartedly.
The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce is grateful for their service, their time and their
willingness to go above and beyond. Their participation helped make this year’s event one that
participants will remember and is another great example of the strong relationship between the
Willow Springs Police Department and the community it serves.
Sometimes building a stronger community happens one mile, and one good-natured police chase,
at a time.
Kim McCormick
Executive Director
Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce
