The Irving Police Department is thrilled to announce the return of the Officer Andrew Esparza 5K and One-Mile Fun Run to Irving for 2024. This annual event supports the Andrew Esparza Foundation, which currently offers scholarships for college to Burleson ISD graduates and children of Irving police officers.
Scheduled for Saturday, April 13th at 8:30 am, this year's run will take place at Levy Event Plaza in Irving. The foundation, established in memory of Irving Officer Andrew Albert Esparza (badge #966), will be celebrating its 17th year honoring Officer Esparza's life.
Officer Esparza, originally from Burleson, tragically lost his life on April 13, 2007. While en-route to assist a fellow officer at an accident scene near State Highway 114 and Loop 12, he was involved in an automobile accident. Despite efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at Parkland Memorial Hospital.
Zoe Stahl, the Andrew Esparza Foundation Secretary, highlighted the foundation's impact in an interview with ICTN, stating, "To date we've given out over $65,000 in scholarships and that's just to seniors. We also help with fallen and injured officers and firefighters. So we've done a lot of good in his name. This year we're able to offer Irving ISD seniors the opportunity to apply for scholarships as well."
