Photo by Bill Green Thurmont police officer Mark Debord created Bucks4Blues, a nonprofit that competes in endurance events to raise funds for families of fallen police officers. The officer completed the Frederick Marathon and raised money for the family of Richard Mark Bremer, a Frederick police officer who was killed in the line of duty.

A Thurmont police officer, Debord created Bucks4Blues, a nonprofit organization that competes in endurance events to raise funds for families of fallen officers.

In October 2008, Debord attended three police funerals -- one for friend and Frederick Police Officer First Class Richard Mark Bremer. A five-year police veteran, Bremer, 39, died in a crash during a vehicle pursuit Oct. 23.

"In late October, my pastor delivered a sermon on God's gifts. I was coming off the loss of Mark," Debord wrote in an e-mail. "This is when God began his work and articulated my gift."

During a training run that day, Debord, an endurance athlete, came up with the Bucks4Blues concept, "with God's assistance."

Each event Debord participates in will be dedicated to the memory of a single officer.

This month, Debord added to his 10 years of running events by competing in the Frederick Marathon.

"I am running the Frederick Marathon in honor of Frederick Police Officer Mark Bremer," Debord wrote in April on his Bucks4Blues Facebook page.

"Mark was a personal friend, who was killed in an automobile accident while pursuing a suspected drunk driver who refused to stop. Mark leaves behind a wife and three children," Debord wrote.

His goal for the event was $1,000; Debord raised $750. "I was pleased with this amount," he said, "and am thankful for the donations, considering our current national economic status."

Debord finished what he called a successful event in four hours and 13 minutes. "I originally planned for a faster time, but this by far was the most fun I have ever had on a course."

Able to catch up with old friends, Debord said he pitched Bucks4Blues to someone in mile 18.

"He donated a generous contribution to Officer Bremer family," Debord said. "So in a nutshell, I'm glad I took my time."

The marathon was the first Bucks4Blues event, but Debord, a five-year officer, said he plans to compete in two more this year, a triathlon late this summer and the Baltimore Marathon in October.

"Both events will be dedicated to Maryland officers killed recently in the line of duty."

To prepare for future races, Debord said he'll train harder. "I'm not competing for my own satisfaction anymore. I'm competing for the families of officers and friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice."

He said his goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon, and compete in the Ironman in Hawaii. "I know these are big goals, but with a little willpower, and a lot of faith, anything is possible."