GALT, CA (MPG) - As the sun climbed over the streets of Galt on the morning of July Fourth, more than 150 runners laced up their shoes and lined up together for a race that has become one of the city’s most meaningful Independence Day traditions. The 14th Annual Officer Kevin Tonn Memorial 5K Fun Run stepped off at 8 a.m., drawing the largest field in years: a testament to a community that refuses to forget one of its own.

The run honors Galt Police Officer Kevin Tonn, who was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. In the years since, what began as a fundraiser organized by grieving community members has grown into an annual gathering where neighbors, athletes and families come together each Fourth of July to celebrate his life and carry his memory forward.

 

Galt Police Chief Brian Kalinowski presents flowers and a challenge coin to William and MaryAnn Tonn.

This year’s event featured a new course. Parks and Recreation Director Armando Solis opened the morning by explaining the redesigned route, which sent runners along the actual parade route twice. The change was more than a matter of scenery: Running the loop twice allowed police officers to stay in a single set of positions rather than being spread across the city, streamlining coverage and safety for everyone involved.

Before the race began, the ceremony paused to honor the family at the heart of the day. Galt Police Chief Brian Kalinowski presented flowers to Kevin’s mother, MaryAnn Tonn, and gave Kevin’s father, William Tonn, a “250 Years of America” Galt Challenge Coin. Will Tonn was visibly moved and excited to receive the commemorative coin, a keepsake marking both the nation’s milestone and his son’s enduring place in the community.

Vice Mayor Tim Reed also addressed the crowd, thanking the runners and volunteers for turning out year after year to keep Kevin’s memory alive.

 

Galt Police officers Sgt. Casteneda, Valdez and Franklin start the race off on their new e-bikes.

Bayside Church Senior Pastor Tim Wallmark then offered a prayer over the assembled crowd. Moments later, the runners lined up behind officers from the Galt Police Department, who were ready to lead the field on their new e-bikes as the race got underway.

The competition up front was swift. At 17 minutes and 30 seconds, Galt High cross country member Daniel Crownover was the first to cross the finish line: an impressive feat for the 16-year-old. The first adult to finish was Anthony Tiapon, a Galt High graduate who now works as an engineer. Thomas Dehoney was the third to finish, and Jaylan Griffith was the first female runner to complete the course.

At the finish line, as they do every year, the Tonn family waited to greet the runners. MaryAnn and Will Tonn handed out water and snacks, offering thanks and congratulations to each participant who came through: a personal touch that has become a signature of the event.

For Will Tonn, the annual run remains a source of comfort amid an unimaginable loss.

 

Jaylan Griffith is all smiles as the first woman to cross that line.

“We lost so much, but seeing this community come out every year to remember Kevin lifts our hearts in a way words can’t fully capture,” Will Tonn said. “It reminds us that he’s not forgotten, and that means everything to us. Being here to thank every runner who shows up: That’s what keeps us coming back year after year.”

As the runners caught their breath and the city prepared for its Fourth of July parade, the message of the morning was clear. More than a decade after his passing, Officer Kevin Tonn’s memory continues to run strong through the streets of Galt, carried forward by a community that shows up, year after year, to honor a fallen officer and comfort the family he left behind.