Chief Kimberley Greenwood cheered on runners at the starting line for the fourth annual Barrie Police Home Safe 5K Run/Walk.
Participants headed out from Heritage Park Thursday evening for the trek around Kempenfelt Bay to the Southshore and back.
The fundraising goal was $5,000 to benefit the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County and Autism Ontario - Simcoe County.
The event is also aimed at raising awareness for both organizations along with the Barrie Police Vulnerable Person Registry.
The program allows caregivers of vulnerable persons to submit vital information to a database that is used by police and other emergency services during a crisis situation such as if the person went missing.
"It gives us habit, location, description so when we get tht original call we have access to the register and immediately and we are broadcasting all of the information that has been collected so we can have a broader response to the person who has wandered off," said Chief Greenwood.
"Time is essential. Every minute is very important when we see vulnerable people wandering off."
Examples of vulnerable persons may include those with Alzheimer's Disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder, an Acquired Brain Injury or a Mental Health condition.
Representatives from both Autism Simcoe and Alzheimer's Simcoe expressed gratitude to police and everyone involved in the run.
They said it not only helps them financially, but it creates more awareness of their organizations.
