Harford sergeant raises money for animal shelter by running Bel Air Town Run in full tactical gear

Jason Fontelieu, The Aegis, Bel Air, Md.
·2 min read

May 28—It's been about 10 years since Sgt. Kevin Phillips ran a 5K, but he's back at it in this year's Bel Air Town Run on June 5. He'll also be easy to spot amidst the other runners the day of the race.

He'll be the one dressed in full tactical gear. Why? Because he's raising money for the Harford County Humane Society.

Phillips said he's "trying to raise money for a good cause," highlighting the strong relationship between the animal shelter and the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

For everyone $500 raised, Phillips vowed to add one piece of tactical gear to wear during the race. The first $500 meant he'd wear a tactical uniform; the next $500, a pair of gloves. Following those were a plate carrier, a helmet and a mask. And once they hit $3,000, a second runner was added — DFC Joshua Danmeyer will join Phillips in the race, along with two potential other deputies.

Phillips said neighbors he's never spoken to and strangers in town have approached him, recognizing him from social media and commending him for his donation efforts.

"It might be entertaining to see four SWAT operators passed out on Main Street," Phillips said.

So far, Phillips has raised more than $4,000 for the Humane Society, according to a spokesperson for the sheriff's office.

"It is amazing that he chose to work with our organization," said Erin Long, the Humane Society of Harford County's marketing coordinator. "The donations that are coming to us will help in so many ways."

Long said the donations will go toward the animal shelter's general operating fund, which pays for day-to-day supplies, such as food and vaccinations for the animals.

Another reason Phillips is running is to try and shed positive light on the sheriff's office and potentially inspire people to apply to work for them.

"I'm just trying to get it out on social media to generate discussion because at the end of the day," Phillips said, "a police agency should be transparent. And we're just trying to show as much as we can of different things that we offer here at the sheriff's office."