Together with the Northeast Volunteer Board, the Dallas Police are hosting the 1st Annual White Rock 5K in April.

With leadership from Deputy Chief Tom Lawrence and Officer Shavon Vela, the emphasis behind the race's creation started with the story of Alex Garcia.

Many will remember Officer Garcia, a rookie with the Dallas Police Department, who suffered injuries while attending a Police Explorers Conference last year in Denver, Colorado.

City of Dallas insurance was unable to provide the necessary funding to get Garcia care flighted back to Dallas, according to Officer Vela.

"Fortunately, a kind gentleman stepped up and paid for the transportation expense," explains Vela.

"But in the future, we want to help ensure a better solution is available to take care of those who place themselves in harms way to protect the citizens of Dallas."

You can read more about Officer Garcia and Eugene Knies, that kind gentleman who contributed to the officer's safe return by clicking here.

"Our goal in organizing the race," say Vela, "is to fund a program to assist Dallas Police Officers and their families when they fall victim to tragic events not covered by insurance."

"The net proceeds of the event will help fund the cause each year."

The White Rock 5K is scheduled for April 10th, and the course will offer participants a unique trail through White Rock Park and the Peninsula Neighborhood, complete with those beautiful panoramic views of the lake and downtown.

"We are so excited to announce the launch of this new running event here in Dallas," say Officer Vela.

"We've been working with Run-On, Luke’s Locker and the Dallas Running Club to get the date of the race registered and publicized in the community."

Aside from the challenging course, and race day activities for the kids, participants will also enjoy a raffle following the race, and each runner will receive one ticket with their registration.

Additional raffle tickets will also be available for $1 each during packet pick-up. Up for grabs are lots of prizes, including a wine party for 10 at Times Ten Cellars in Lakewood.

Registration for the April 10th race is available online through April 7th at 7:00 p.m. Cost is $30; you can register by clicking here.

The White Rock 5K will begin at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 10th.

Sponsors interested in supporting race underwriting can contact Dallas Police Officer Shavon Vela at 214.671.0495.