Stoughton Police Take Part in Boston Strong Workout Marathon at Gillette Stadium

The following is adapted from a press release from the New England Patriots:

Nearly 500 first responders, including three Stoughton Police Officers, gathered on the Gillette Stadium field and around Patriot Place over the weekend to participate in a symbolic 26-hour workout marathon that raised $117,000 for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. 

The METROLEC SWAT team, in conjunction with Gillette Stadium, hosted 37 first response teams for the 26-hour endurance event that began at 2:50 p.m. Saturday, June 22 and concluded shortly after 4 p.m. Sunday, June 23, with the goal of raising over $100,000 for The One Fund Boston.

Lt. John Bonney, Officer Jen Sullivan and Officer John Gagne were there representing the Stoughton Police Department.

SPD Chief Paul Shastany was also in attendance cheering his officers on, as were chiefs from other area departments.

First responders participating in the event included police officers, firefighters, nurses and paramedics throughout the area, many of whom responded to the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15. Over the weekend, these men and women responded again by raising money through a unique marathon of their own.

Participants gathered on the Gillette Stadium field on Saturday, June 22 for opening ceremonies at 2:50 p.m. – the time of the first explosion near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

First responders participated in 26 separate workout stations in and around Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place over the 26-hour period with many of the event stations designed to reflect the jobs and tasks of all the first responders represented in the workout marathon. The workout began with a scavenger hunt throughout Gillette Stadium and featured other events like flag football, dodgeball, hose carry and a run through the New England Patriots agility course.

On Sunday, the marathon’s 37 teams came together as one to finish the last workout event: Capture the Flag. First responders raced to the top of Gillette Stadium’s 300-level to “capture” miniature American flags before closing ceremonies at 3 p.m.

Bonney and Sullivan were on the same team, while Gagne was with the METROLEC SWAT group who organized the event, helping to run the marathon stations.

“It was an amazing event,” Bonney said. “The Metro Unit should be extremely proud of themselves. Jen Sullivan and I would like to thank the Bay State Brave team from Milton PD that allowed us to compete with them.”

“It was a grueling challenge, he said, “but what kept me going was the thought that though I never met Officer Collier or Officer Donahue I was certain they would have loved to compete in an event like that.  With that in mind we pushed the pain aside and pressed on.”

Bonney added, “We also would like to thank the people of Stoughton who sent us encouraging messages along the way."