Pella Police Lt. Paul Haase was among a group of law enforcement officers participating in Relay Iowa running for a cause close to their hearts.

Haase was among representatives from Iowa Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S) raising awareness and funds for their organization through Relay Iowa this past weekend. Haase tells KNIA/KRLS News he was also running in honor of John Van Haaften, the Pella Police officer killed in the line of duty in 1980. Haase says it was an emotional experience.

“It was a real neat honor and privilege to run in memory of John and just to hear the thanks from his family, it was a really amazing thing to be a part of,” he says.

He says he ran different legs totaling 339 miles across the state as part of the experience from Sioux City to Dubuque. Relay Iowa donated $500 back to the Iowa C.O.P.S. organization to help benefit families of fallen officers by providing help with various expenses.

Hear more about Haase’s run and the Iowa C.O.P.S. organization today’s Let’s Talk Pella. Click here for more about Iowa C.O.P.S.