Sheriff Pohlmann supports Crimestoppers, which is holding a 5k and a one-mile foot race in City Park in N.O. at 8 a.m. on Sunday Dec. 9 as a fund-raiser

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann is among law enforcement and business leaders in the New Orleans area supporting the non-profit group Crimestoppers in its effort to raise $50,000 through a 5K and one-mile race this Sunday, Dec. 9 in City Park in New Orleans.

“We are a big supporter of Crimestoppers,’’ which has received many tips that have helped solve crimes in St. Bernard Parish in recent years, Sheriff Pohlmann said. “We are in this with them for the long haul.’’

The sheriff also said, “Their group has helped our parish many times and we would appreciate anything businesses or individuals can do to help donate to Crimestoppers such as through this fund-raiser they are having Sunday. The money will go to its worthwhile programs.’’

Crimestoppers CEO and President Darlene Cusanza was guest speaker at the Nov. 14 graduation of the latest St. Bernard sheriff’s Citizens Police Academy class.

She has said funds raised from the races in City Park will go to make up for national and state funding cuts that threaten the group’s youth crime prevention programs and student leadership programs. The group has set a goal of trying to raise $50,000 and has received support from New Orleans area businesses and law enforcement groups.

Crimestoppers can be reached at (504) 837-8477 for more information about the fund-raising effort including participation in the race, donating to the group or to learn more about its programs. Under a new program, the public can make a pledge in memory of a crime victim.

Call Crimestoppers at 822-1111 to report tips on a felony crime and you may be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to prosecution. The group, through its program of cash rewards for tips in criminal cases, has helped solve more than 12,000 crimes.

Sheriff Pohlmann said St. Bernard’s Sheriff’s Office will have a team of deputies participate in the races this Sunday.

“Crimestoppers could not do its job in protecting our citizens without the hard work of our dedicated law enforcement and first-responders,” Cusanza said.

“In order to show our community’s appreciation for their service, we will have an opportunity for citizens to pledge their support behind their favorite law enforcement or first responders’ race team.”

The Commercial Investment Division of the New Orleans Metropolitan Realtors’ Association as well as the group’s national parent organization has pledged $10,500 to sponsor the costs of the race, Cusanza said.