Community Invited to 9/11 Freedom Run

The community is invited to join the 9/11 Freedom Run, a 5K and 1-mile walk or run, on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Sedillo Park. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will benefit survivors of the Sept. 11 attacks and their families. Sponsored by the Socorro County Office of Emergency Management, the day will include races, food and family-friendly activities.

Fred Berger, who was hired in February to oversee the Office of Emergency Management and the County Fire Department, said the event is about more than just raising money. It’s also an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices made daily by first responders and public safety personnel.

“I have lived in Socorro most of my life and have come to realize that the public understands that when they need assistance in an emergency, they pick up the phone and call 911,” Berger said. “Help arrives, but the public doesn’t really understand what our men and women in public safety do, what they and their families must sacrifice in their lives to serve their communities.”

Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, doctors, nurses, dispatchers and soldiers, Berger said, serve not for money or recognition but out of dedication to their neighbors and community.

Berger said he hopes the Freedom Run will bring the community and local first responders together while honoring the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

“The people who are in public safety are a special group of individuals and I felt that they deserved to be recognized for what they all do in the City and County of Socorro,” he said. “I want members of the local public safety entities and the public to get out there and have fun together, to really get to know each other. This is just meant to bring the community together.”

All proceeds from the event will go to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org), a nonprofit that emerged after the Sept. 11 tragedy. The foundation provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and the families of fallen first responders with young children.

“I chose this organization because 93 percent of all donations go directly to these programs,” Berger said.

Residents can register for the 1-mile fun run or the 5K at runsignup.com by searching “9/11 Freedom Run.” Registration begins at 9 a.m. on race day, and everyone is welcome to come out, meet local first responders, enjoy food and activities, and take part in a day of remembrance.

For more information about volunteering or sponsoring the event, contact Heather Donelson at HDonelson@co.socorro.nm.us or call 575-835-2029 ext. 1200.