In tribute to a fallen deputy, Sheriff Joe Arpaio announced the launching of the Deputy Bill Coleman Memorial Run. This new tradition will be led by every deputy academy class going forward and allows for all Sheriff’s Office personnel to participate.
Deputy Coleman was killed in the line of duty on January 8, 2012 while responding to an early morning burglary call in Anthem, Arizona. He was shot and killed by a suspect parked in a van in a business parking lot near Anthem Way.
“This run is a tribute to a brave man and his family,” said Sheriff Arpaio. “The passing of time may quiet our pain, but it will never remove our sense of loss. When we pay tribute, we honor sacrifice.”
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office current Academy Class #137 inaugurated the 4.2 mile run at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2015. The Anthem Community Center, located at 41130 N. Freedom Way, will serve as the starting point and will include a stop at the previously dedicated Bill Colman Field. The run will conclude at the original incident location.
Deputy Coleman served 20 years with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. He was survived by his wife and four children.