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Hundreds Attend “Run Around Scranton” To Honor PTLM Wilding

SCRANTON — The city of Scranton continues to mourn the loss of Patrolman John Wilding, who died on July 12th. He was injured chasing three robbery suspect...

SCRANTON -- The city of Scranton continues to mourn the loss of Patrolman John Wilding, who died on July 12th.

He was injured chasing three robbery suspects when he fell down a 15-foot ledge.

Thursday night, the monthly 5-K "Run Around Scranton" was in Wilding's honor.

“Three, two, one go!”

And with that, they were off.

Hundreds of people turned out for the monthly 5-K run/walk called “Run Around Scranton” on North Washington Avenue.

this run was dedicated to fallen Scranton Police Officer John Wilding, who died after falling 15 feet while chasing three teenagers suspected of trying to rob someone at gunpoint in West Scranton on earlier this month.

Those participating wore bibs with the number 722, Patrolman Wilding's badge number.

“It's very important and they do this every month but this one is more important because of we're honoring and everyone's wearing their 722, it's really, really important,” said Jennifer Gallagher.

“It's so important, you have to support your local people, they're the ones out there, they're the front line. They're out there protecting us, keep us safe,” said Molly Skrutski.

“We were expecting 400 timed runners and maybe a handful more that don't want to get timed so great turn out, great weather,” said Matt Byrne with the Scranton Running Co. and one of the organizers of the 5 K.

The wives of police officers also raised money for Wilding's widow and two young children by selling t-shirts, signs and other keepsakes.

“We're selling out shirts, wristslets, and some stickers, yard signs for anyone in the community that wants to show their support for Scranton PD and for Officer Wilding,” said Donna Graziano, wife of Scranton Police Chief Carl Graziano.

Joining the runners were Wilding's fellow police officers and members of the city's fire department.

“When you lose somebody in your own jurisdiction, police and fire are probably the closest of all of them, and when you lose somebody in our own jurisdiction that hurts, somebody you know, you've seen around, you've talked to, that hurts but this is awesome what a great turnout this is,” said Scranton Fire Chief Pat Desarno.

The three teens officer wilding was chasing were arrested on robbery and weapons charges but investigators say they could face felony murder for Officer Wilding's death.

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