Cannonball Memorial Run was founded in December 2016 by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeants John Bannes and Jason Hendrix. They were frustrated and alarmed at the number of officers targeted or ambushed simply because they wore the badge and hoped to raise awareness to the matter in addition to putting into effect a call for action that those responsible for the deaths of these fallen officers be given the highest possible punishment.

John and Jason, along with Sergeant Mike Rude, jumped in a Cadillac CTS in December 2016 with the mission to stop at agencies where officers had been murdered in a show of support and camaraderie. The idea was to complete a “cannonball” style run similar to the “Cannonball Run” movie. This run would not be a race but a way to honor and remember our fallen brothers and sisters. They set out to drive non-stop, with the exception of the short stops at each agency, from Santa Monica, CA to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. They picked up patches and met with coworkers and families across the Nation. During their drive they realized more must be done. It was then the first National Immediate Financial Relief Fund for the families of officers killed in the line of duty was established.

• Since October 2017, the organization has sent over $200,000 to the families of all fallen officers nationwide because of generous donors and supporters.

• Sent handwritten, personal letters to accompany each check sent to the family of an officer killed in the line of duty.

• Received recognition from the White House and President Donald J. Trump for the efforts of the organization.

• Established a rapport with the Department of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General.

• Created the FIRST and ONLY National Immediate Financial Relief Fund for families of all Fallen Officers.

• Developed working relationships with NLEOMF, National FOP and many others.

• Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) through the IRS.

Cannonball Memorial Run looks to 2023 with an even stronger determination to fully fund the immediate relief fund and provide $10,000 to the family of each fallen officer within 24-48 hours of the fallen officer’s death. That goal is fully attainable through the help of each and every law enforcement officer across this great Country!

Help from the public and corporate partners will ensure the families of fallen officers receive immediate financial relief during a tragic and difficult time. A time when the last thing they should be worrying about is where their next meal will come from or how they will keep the lights on.

We all share the loss and all feel the emotions…let’s work together and take care of our fallen’s families.

Cannonball Memorial Run is Driven 2 Honor!