Jim Burton (007) and Shane McIlwain (005) round the final bend at the top of the dam Friday during the Run for Croom at Bonita Lakes.

Meridian police officers were joined by firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and other first responders, as well as members of the community, Friday in remembering the legacy of Officer Kennis Croom at the Run For Croom at Bonita Lakes.

Croom, an officer with Meridian Police Department, was shot and killed on June 9, 2022, while responding to a domestic violence call.

The Run for Croom event, which featured a three-kilometer run and walk, was held as a way to raise funds for the Kennis Croom Memorial Scholarship Benefit Fund, which was established by the Croom family in his honor.

“Knowing Kennis, he’s probably smiling and saying, ‘They’re doing that? In my honor?,’” said Croom’s father Kelvin Croom.

Kelvin Croom said he wanted to thank the first responders for organizing and taking part in the event, not only to raise funds for scholarships but also for keeping the memory of his son alive in the community.

Meridian Police Chief Deborah Naylor Young said Kennis was loved by many at MPD and in the Meridian community, and her department is grateful for those who came out to the run to show their support.

“We appreciate all of you that took your time to come out today to assist with this memorial event,” she said. “We thank the Croom family for all of this. We thank each of you. We know it’s hot out here, but thank you all so much.”

Det. Chanetta Stevens, who serves as public information officer for MPD, also thanked the community for coming out for the run and showing support for the Croom family. The Run for Croom is still a relatively new event, she said, and organizers hope to see it grow bigger and better each year.