𝗥𝗨𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞: Santa Monica Officers and PAL Youth Take Part in Annual Community Challenge

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, May 21, 2026 — Santa Monica police officers teamed up with members of the Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) on Thursday afternoon as participants ran along Ocean Front Walk during the “6th Annual Rick Crocker 5K” Run-Walk Challenge honoring fallen Santa Monica Police Officer Ricardo “Rick” Crocker. The annual community challenge was held in partnership with the Santa Monica Pier’s final “Locals’ Night” of the season and benefited PAL youth programs throughout the city. Participants gathered behind the historic Santa Monica Pier Merry Go-Round before beginning the 5K route, which traveled south along Ocean Front Walk to the Bay Street loop before heading north toward the Montana Avenue stairs parking area and returning to the Pier This year’s event also coincided with the start of LA Fleet Week festivities, with Sailors and Marines from the USS Essex and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton participating in recognition of Officer Crocker’s military service and dedication to the community. The event featured a musical performance by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, along with displays from Santa Monica police and fire personnel, including patrol vehicles and emergency apparatus. Officer Ricardo “Rick” Crocker was a 10-year veteran of the Santa Monica Police Department and a Marine Corps Reserve Major who was killed in Iraq on May 26, 2005, after being struck by a rocket-propelled grenade while serving his country. His final assignment with the department was with the Santa Monica Police Activities League, where he mentored vulnerable youth in the community. The Santa Monica Police Activities League provides free after-school enrichment programs, educational activities, leadership development, and recreational opportunities for youth ages 6 to 17, with a mission focused on fostering positive relationships between young people and law enforcement. Santa Monica Closeup documented portions of the event as officers, PAL youth members, military participants, and community supporters moved along the beachfront route during the afternoon run.