To the Editor:

We want to commend Wilmington police officer Greg Murano for all that he did to make the Mark H. Dooley 5K Race of Remembrance on September 19 such a success.

First, we are grateful for Greg’s efforts to honor Lt. Dooley, who died in Iraq on September 19, 2005, while serving with the Army National Guard. Mark was a Norwich University graduate who was a Wilmington police officer at the time of his deployment to Iraq.

Our town grieved Mark’s death and we remember his sacrifice and that of the family he left behind. Mark left a note on his desk in the Wilmington Police station when he departed for duty that ended with the line, “all people deserve freedom.” That sentiment and the loss of Mark reminds us of the honorable men and women serving us in our military.

Starting with an idea to commemorate his friend and colleague, Greg created a 5K run/walk that was a fitting tribute and one that was an honor to join. For the first race, hundreds of runners, walkers, volunteers, police officers, military personnel, and Norwich University students and graduates joined in memory of Mark and created an amazing, high-energy event.

Thank you, Greg, and we hope that the Mark H. Dooley 5K will grow each year in the future.

Sincerely,

Meg Streeter

Wilmington Selectboard