ABOUT THE FREEDOM RUN
The Freedom Run 5K honors the bravery of Dallas’ first responders and police officers by raising money for the Dallas Assist the Officer Foundation (ATO). The Freedom Run was first organized by the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL) immediately following 9/11 and has been held every September since 2001. The Freedom Run unites our community in tribute to the heroes and victims of that harrowing date, and to honor the sacrifices our police officers and first responders make on a daily basis. Since 2001, DAYL’s Freedom Run has raised over $400,000 for ATO. This would not have been possible without the continued support of our generous sponsors and volunteers.
This year, we honor five officers: Officer David Clark, Officer Tyler Morris, Senior Corporal Jose De La Rocha, Sgt. Matt Terry, and Dallas Firefighter Kenneth Burke. Read more about them below.
Officer David Clark
#9815
Dallas Police Officer David Clark, #9815, was on his way to report for duty when he passed away from a fatal heart attack.
Officer Clark worked for the DPD from 2009 to 2021 and was part of the Northwest Patrol Division.
Officer Clark's family started a Health Fair for first responders in his name in efforts to prevent undiagnosed medical emergencies.
Officer Tyler Morris
#11752
Dallas Police Officer Tyler Morris, #11752, of Dallas Police Department, was shot in the hip on March 14, 2024, while attempting to catch teenage robbery suspects.
Officer Morris underwent surgery and is still recovering from his injuries.
Sr Cpl Jose De La Rocha
#9662
Dallas Police Senior Corporal Jose De La Rocha #9662, was a 14-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department.
Jose experienced a medical emergency while at home and passed away. He is survived by his wife, Adriana, and his son Nicholas.
Sgt Matt Terry
#8915
Dallas Police Sergeant Matt Terry #8915 was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident while off-duty.
Sergeant Terry sustained numerous injuries and underwent multiple surgeries. He has recently returned to work.
DFR Kenneth Burke
Dallas Fire Station 747
Dallas Fire-Rescue firefighter Kenneth Burke was critically injured off-duty when he was hit by a suspected drunken driver, driving the wrong way in Old East Dallas.
Burke suffered hemorrhagic shock and injuries to his head, spleen, pancreas, and liver. He had two surgeries. Burke recovered from his injuries and returned to work to Dallas Fire Station 747.
