In a heartfelt act of remembrance and service, Officer Joshua Phipps of the Baltimore County Police brought the community together with a powerlifting fundraiser at the Exile Barbell Club in Rosedale. As reported by WMAR2 News, the fundraiser raised $20,000 for the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) in memory of fallen Officer Amy Caprio. This fundraising event, celebrating Officer Caprio's love for animals, is the third successful year honoring her legacy of service on the police force.
While the annual event serves as a poignant remembrance of Officer Caprio's tragic death in the line of duty, it equally underscores the community's determination not to let her memory fade. "Whenever we lose someone in the line of duty, in the first year, it's a vivid memory and then eventually, unfortunately, goes along the wayside. We end up possibly forgetting. And I figure this is one way we can keep her memory alive as well as do something I enjoy with the powerlifting and the support for the animals," Officer Phipps stated, as per CBS News report. The event's success stands as a testament to the shared commitment to valorize her service and advocacy for animal welfare.
Debbie Sorrells, Caprio's mother, spoke to her daughter's enduring influence and the significance of the community's commitment, citing a fear shared by many who have lost loved ones in service: that they might be forgotten. However, Sorrells also shared her gratitude and surprise at the outcome of the event. "The amount kind of just blew me away and my first thought was-- Amy’s smiling," she said in a statement detailed by WMAR2 News. In attendance for the check presentation, Sorrells emphasized the integral role Officer Caprio's "police family" played in honoring her daughter's memory and passions.
The substantial amount raised will directly benefit the more than 300 animals in BARCS's care. It will be allocated for medical treatment, spay and neuter services, and other essential welfare provisions.
