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This Year beginning on September 12th and running through till September 14th, The North Carolina Chapter of the Smoking Shields will have the honor of hosting our Annual “Survive the 55” Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Hike.The Purpose:
On average, every 55 hours a Law Enforcement Officer takes their own life. With Law Enforcement Suicide rates surpassing traditional Line-of-Duty Deaths, the Smoking Shields North Carolina seeks to build awareness of the psychological toll that Law Enforcement Officers endure on a daily basis.
The Event:
Starting September 12th, we will begin hiking the 55 miles down the beachfront of Topsail Island, NC to generate awareness of the mental and psychological toll that our Law Enforcement Officers endure while serving their communities. The 55 miles represents the average number of hours that elapsed between Law Enforcement Officers suicides in the United States.
Why the Beach??
The selection of the beachfront of Topsail Island, NC acts as a metaphor. The beachfront appears relaxing and peaceful, a place that many go for vacation, but it's constantly changing conditions, high temperatures, high winds and grueling sand will create the metaphor of the struggle some Law Enforcement Officers face daily.
The Flags:
For the duration of the grueling 55-mile hike, members of the Smoking Shields will carry a Thin Blue Line American Flag alongside the President of the of the NC Chapter of the Smoking Shields who will carry a NYPD Flag as well as members proudly carrying old glory.
The Plan:
During this hike, members of the NC Chapter of the Smoking Shields and anyone else are more than welcome to join at any point and get some miles in. Anyone is more than welcome to come out and show your support and join in this important hike.
The route for the hike is as follows:
Day 1 - The route will have hikers starting at the Northern part of Topsail Island, NC and walking southbound 23 miles on the beachfront.
Day 2 - The hikers will start at the previous day's end point and hike back 23 miles on the beachfront.
Day3 - The hikers will hike the remaining 9 miles and end at the Sound Side Park in Surf City. This will complete the 55 miles.
We are asking for your help and generosity in the form of monetary donations, bottled water, energy drinks, protein bars or anything else to sustain our hikers through the 55-mile hike. Thank you for helping us build awareness and break the stigma.
Your consideration for this endeavor would be incredibly appreciated in allowing us to reach our goal of educating the public on the epidemic that is Law Enforcement Suicide.
If needed, our EIN Number# is 83-2959031 for tax purposes recognizing our status as a Non-Profit Organization.
We have to “Withstand the Storm Within”.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Topsail Island, 3962 River Rd, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460-9558, United States
