Police widow and ABC ACTION NEWS work together to honor and support police officers

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Lorraine Yaslowitz met with ABC Action News in a serene setting -- a friend's backyard where she was getting ready to tape a public service announcement.

The announcement was about a way to remember her husband, Jeffrey Yaslowitz, a 39-year-old St. Pete Police officer whose life was taken by a suspect, hiding in an attic who opened fire.

"It originally birthed in my head just after he died and I wanted to do something to honor him," Lorraine said. 

"I thought of a race. We did race together at Disney and a couple of other races. We enjoyed it. I thought wow, what a great way to honor him to have a race and the right people heard it," she said.

The "right people" she's referring to are members of the community who are willing to help.

From the crew that taped her PSA, to Chris Lauber, a professional race director who has taken charge of this inaugural run, and ABC Action News, that is honored to accept the role of media partner.

In just a few weeks, her dream is turning into reality. Not only is a race scheduled for May 15, but Lorraine has created a foundation in her husband's honor. She said it was her faith that guided her.

"It's named I naugural Partners for Life Police Appreciation Run & Walk and that name came out for several reasons, you know Jeff and I being partners for life," she said.

And the foundation will serve a very specific purpose.

"So, with this foundation I would like it to help people, guide them in their time of need from losing somebody, be it financial counseling whatever.

Even a limo from the church to their house for their loved one's funeral something just to help them out," Lorraine said.

She said she was blessed with support.

"We never hit the ground, everybody was just holding us up and making sure we were ok. And, I thought I know people who lost their loved ones who don't get that kind of support --and immediately God started tugging at my heart, 'you are going to do something with this'."

The date of the 15th was specifically chosen because it falls within police appreciation week.

"This is a way for honoring them. What the police do for us on a daily basis with out thinking. They protect us without second thought," she said.

With the help of race director Lauber, she has planned three races-- a 10K Race/Walk for her husband, followed by a 5K Race/Walk for Sergeant Thomas Baitinger and then a one mile walk in honor of David Crawford.

All three men lost their lives in the line of duty with in a month.

Lorriane, hopes thousands will come out and race for them.

"I would love to see about 10,000 runners, a lot of runners, people getting fit and having fun, but more than that a day to commemorate to remember these guys. Tom, Dave and Jeff were so respected and so great at their jobs--and all officers that have fallen before us."

And, in special remembrance of her husband, she plans on handing out medals. Medals that signify not only her mission but her and her husband's faith in God.

"The medal will have a verse from Timothy, it (is a) synopsis (of) Jeff's life-- he has run the race and now it's time for him to be sacrificed and he's going home to be with the Lord. It goes on to say that I have kept the faith. Those of you who love whim will do the same and receive the crown of glory at the end and that is where is he is and that is where I want to be some day and that is where God wants all to be."

Lorraine said this is important to her. She has repeatedly said that her faith in God has gotten her through this dark time.

"So, it's also a way to kind of draw him out a little bit...living the life of faith is what is going keep your life joyful--and then you get a big bonus in the end. You get to go to heaven, that's kind of one of the main drives to to it as well," she said.

Lorraine and Jeff's three children, Caleb,12, Haylie ,8, and Calen, 5, as well as Jeff's canine partner, Ace, will participate in the race. With a smile Lorraine said, she knows her Jeff will be there too.

"It makes me feel so much closer to him. It helps me heal. I know he is proud, he is not one that liked attention but he is up there now looking down and saying alright do what you have to do."

For information on how to participate, visit www.floridaroadraces.com or send an email to FLRoadRaces@aol.com