WILMIMGTON — The 11th annual Lt. Joseph Szczerba Memorial 5K brought more than 400 participants to Abessinio Stadium and the surrounding streets to remember the Salesianum School graduate and raise money for the education of first responders.
The race is named in honor of Szczerba, a 1985 alumnus and New Castle County policeman who was killed in the line of duty in 2011. His widow, Kathy, established the Szczerba Memorial Scholarship, and all proceeds from the event go toward that fund.
According to Salesianum, 425 people raised more than $20,000 through registrations, sponsorships and donations.
In addition to the scholarship fund, Szczerba is also remembered through the Szczerba Locker Room at Abessinio Stadium. A plaque in the locker room notes that Szczerba was a four-year letter winner on the offensive line and a second-team all-state selection as a senior.
“Steeped in humility and filled with gentle strength, Joe was an ideal teammate and leader who never lacked the courage to do what was right,” it reads.
“Joe’s life is a reminder that heroism is not forged in tragedy, but rather in doing the little things well with patience and tenacity every day.”
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