Looking to inspire local law enforcement and citizens alike, the Lamar County Adopt-A-Cop 5k run “Walk In Their Shoes” fundraiser is set to welcome guest speaker Dubb Gillum, a retired Department of Public Safety Seargant.
Just over 21 years ago, Gillum was the victim of an on-duty shooting when he was conducting a traffic stop. Gillum was shot 10 times, and one shot struck him in the temple. Gillum was left for dead by the shooter, but a good samaritan stopped and called for an ambulance, and he also used his vehicle to block traffic so Gillum wouldn’t get hit by oncoming cars.
One night on Oct. 1, 1998 when Gillum worked a routine patrol on U.S. Highway 377 in Granbury, he pulled over a pickup that had been speeding without knowing at that time the man driving was Charley Edward Cook. Cook was wanted on multiple felony warrants, and Gillum also didn’t realize that Cook had told other people he would shoot any officer who attempted to arrest him.
When he began to approach the pickup and got within six to eight feet, Cook rolled down the window and asked, “What’s the problem, officer?”
Then very quickly, Cook pulled a .22-caliber semi-automatic Ruger competition handgun out and fired 10 shots in 2.8 seconds.
“Out of the ten rounds, seven of them hit me,” said Gillum of that night, three of the shots hit his flashlight, his clipboard and went through his hat. “He drove away and left me lying there in the road. I had some good citizens (who) blocked the road, got me taken care of,” he said.
Gillum never lost consciousness and was able to alert dispatchers with his handheld radio after Cook drove off. Noting months down the track when he listened to the 911 call, Gillum said it was a chilling moment when he heard himself say, “God help me.” And subsequently, He did help him.
“This hero now shares his experience to help keep officers safe and support those who have experienced trauma on duty. We are truly honored to have him as our guest,” said Adopt-A-Cop president Amanda Willows. “Having read a few articles about him, I was so inspired by his courage, strength, and perseverance; I thought it would only be fitting to have him as our special guest for this year’s event.”
The “Walk In Their Shoes,” fundraiser event will kick off at 7:30 a.m. for race registrations, and 8 a.m. for the race start at South Main Iron in downtown Paris.
Those wishing to hear Gillum share his story do not have to participate in the event.
The National Anthem will be performed on the day by Kallyn Rhodes as well as a demonstration by the Paris Police Department’s very own K9, Cupa.
Participants can run in the professionally timed 5k race, or they can walk the 1-mile route and participate virtually if they choose to.
Willows said all pre-registrations will receive a finishers medal, a “Back the Blue” t-shirt, and a swag bag provided by Topp Gunn Auto Auctions. Participants need to register by Sept. 1, to be guaranteed a t-shirt.
Race day registrations will receive t-shirts while they last.
There will also be a silent auction held at South Main Iron during the event.
Proceeds from the 5k portion of the event will be used to purchase safety equipment for Lamar County law enforcement and first responders.
To register for the event, CLICK HERE.
For more information, please call Amanda at (903) 905-1229 or send an email to lamarcountyadoptacop@gmail.com.
Lamar County Adopt A Cop is a 501c3 Corporation.
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