For the eighth consecutive year, a group of dedicated volunteers embarked on a 225‑mile kayak journey to honor the ultimate sacrifice of local police officers, firefighters and selected military members. The expedition, known as Operation Deep Blue, began at Mott State Park in Pennsville, N.J., and traced a historic waterway route down the Delaware River, through the Chesapeake‑Delaware Canal and Elk River, across the Chesapeake Bay, and up the Potomac River to National Harbor and the Wharf.
Honoring 14 fallen heroes
This year’s tribute recognized 14 individuals who gave their lives in service to the community and nation. Each kayaker carried a backpack displaying a photograph of a honoree, a visual reminder of the families and colleagues left behind. Among those remembered was Metropolitan Police Department Officer Terry Bennett, who was struck by an alleged drunk driver while assisting a motorist on D.C. 295 last December and died 15 days later.
Officer Bennett’s wife, Nadia, and their 3‑year‑old son, Elijah, attended a solemn service at the Capital Yacht Club. “I’m just thankful, appreciative of today and all of the efforts that everyone has done for Terry and continue to do so,” Nadia said, adding, “Thank you from me and my son.” The ceremony featured an eight‑bell tradition, a maritime custom that commemorates the loss of a shipmate, underscoring the deep respect the paddlers hold for the fallen.
Community support and law‑enforcement response
Participants expressed a strong sense of solidarity with the Metropolitan Police Department and other public‑safety agencies. “I feel like I have so much support of M.P.D. and all of the public safety organizations in the community,” said one kayaker, reflecting the broader community’s gratitude for those who protect and serve.
In related news, authorities have made progress in the case surrounding Officer Bennett’s death. Jerrold Coates of Northwest D.C. was arrested in January and charged with second‑degree murder while armed after prosecutors alleged he was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Why the tribute matters
Operation Deep Blue serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by first responders and service members, reinforcing the values of faith, family and liberty that bind the community together. By paddling the lengthy route and publicly honoring each individual, the volunteers provide comfort to grieving families and keep the memory of the fallen alive in the hearts of neighbors across the region.
The event also highlights the importance of responsible driving and the ongoing need for robust public‑safety measures. As the community reflects on the loss of Officer Bennett and his fellow honorees, the collective call for safer roads and continued support for those who serve grows louder.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
