Police Lieutenant Honored at Sharks Game

Bad guys beware: If you’re going to try to outrun the cops (which we never advise), make sure Lt. Ben Horner isn’t on your trail.

Last month, the 52-year-old veteran police officer finished first in the Quickest Cop/Fastest Firefighter Over 50 10K division of the Thanksgiving Day Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 2011. He finished with a time of 52 minutes and 45 seconds, according to the Turkey Trot website. 

“It’s more for bragging rights because I beat all the firefighters,” Horner said. The Turkey Trot featured 22,000 runners in a number of divisions.

Last Wednesday, Horner was honored during halftime at the San Jose Sharks match against the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he was treated to box seats and awarded a trophy for his feat.

With the retirement of Chief Greg Stewart, Horner is now the oldest officer in the police department.

“I wanted to set a good example for the younger officers in that you could have a long and healthy career, as long as you stayed in shape both mentally and physically,” he said.

Since the Turkey Trot, Horner, a 24-year veteran of the Union City Police Department, has improved his 10K run time to 49 minutes and 33 seconds, he said.

Though it was his first time in the Turkey Trot, Horner tries to compete in one event a month and has three half-marathons already scheduled for 2012. His family team also recently placed fourth in the California International Marathon in the Family Four-Runner Relay division, which was held in Sacramento earlier in the month.

Keeping a regular exercise schedule is key to maintaining a healthy body and mind, Horner said.

“I get up and run at 4:30 a.m. several times per week, and on Saturday’s I do long, slow run, [from] six to10 miles,” he said. “I eat and drink in moderation, and I keep a good positive attitude at home and in my professional life.”