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Blue Across Michigan | Matt Garbarino

by Linda Searles June 29, 2018

Volunteer Deputy Runs Across Entire State Carrying Thin Blue Line Flag
In an emotional and inspiring journey, Volunteer Sheriff's Deputy Matt Garabino carried a Thin Blue Line flag across the entire state of Michigan. Now, let's help carry his message across the entire country. Participate in Matt's cause: https://bit.ly/2MsmXta
Posted by Thin Blue Line USA on Thursday, June 14, 2018

Fifty-year-old Reserve Deputy Matt Garbarino began a 160-mile trek across Michigan on Monday, June 4carrying the Thin Blue Line American flag in support of police. Garbarino lives in Byron Center and has served with the Kent County Sheriff's Office Traffic Squad unit since 2010. Garbarino completed the mega-marathon to raise money for the Concern of Police Survivors non-profit organization that supports the families of fallen officers, and to bring awareness of the dangers of being a law enforcement officer.

“This {run} wasn’t about me, it was about everyone in law enforcement that is here and can’t be here, said Garbarino about the 594 Michigan officers who have died in the line of duty. Garbarino conceived of the cross-state journey several years ago when he was running with the flag during the Fifth Third River Bank Run. He noticed that many people didn't know what the Thin Blue Line American flag symbolized. The Thin Blue Line represents law enforcement that stands between chaos and order, and is used to show solidarity, respect, and unity with American police.

Garbarino started his journey at the Fallen Heroes Memorial at the Oakland County Sheriff's Office in Pontiac and finished at the Protector Monument at the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office in West Olive. Garbarino's goal was to run 40 miles a day and finish the run in four days. The plan was to end his run by 5 pm Thursday at the Ottawa County Sheriff Department. In order to keep up his 40 mile per day pace, he had to consume 4000 calories a day; an incredible feat of strength and sheer willpower.

Garbarino successfully crossed the finish line Thursday evening; raising over $9,000 for the cause and inspiring nation-wide support for the families and friends of our American Law Enforcement.

Photos courtesy of MLive: https://mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2018/06/kent_county_sheriff_finishes_1.html