Two local police lieutenants were among a group of law enforcement officers participating in Relay Iowa over the weekend, running for a cause close to their hearts.

Pella Police Lt. Paul Haase and Marion County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Andrew Schuchhardt were among representatives from Iowa Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S), raising awareness and funds for their organization through Relay Iowa. Haase was running in honor of John Van Haaften, the Pella Police officer killed in the line of duty in 1980. Schuchhardt ran for Deputy Mark Burbridge of the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, who was shot and killed last year while completing a prisoner transport.

Both were part of a team that ran 339 miles across the state as part of the experience from Sioux City to Dubuque. Relay Iowa donated $600 back to the Iowa C.O.P.S. organization to help benefit families of fallen officers by providing for various expenses.