Sarasota Cops Raise 'Blue Line' Flag At Ecuadoran Volcano

SARASOTA, FL -- Two Sarasota police officers traveled to a volcano in Quito, Ecuador to raise the 'blue line' flag and awareness for fallen officers back home in the United States.

The two officers -- Detective Steven Fergus and Officer Brandon Vermillion -- experienced the trip of lifetime while supporting the Officer Down Memorial Page.

“As a law enforcement officer, it’s important to remember how dangerous our job can be,” said Detective Fergus. “In honor of those who lost their lives in the line of duty, we started this fundraiser and all the proceeds are going to the Officer Down Memorial Page.”

The non-profit organization is dedicated to honoring the 24,000 fallen law enforcement officers across the United States since 1791. Twenty-seven officers have lost their lives so far in 2019.

The Sarasota officers were hoping to raise the blue line flag at the summit of Chimborazo, a volcano that has a peak elevation of 20,564 feet at its summit.

"Due to unsafe weather conditions and altitude sickness, their hiking guide turned the officers back for safety reasons at 17,060 feet," said Genevieve Judge of the Sarasota Police Department. "However, the officers still raised the blue line flag to honor the nearly 24,000 officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice."

The officers are now challenging fellow law enforcement agencies to help spread the message. They are hoping to raise $2,500 to donate back to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Click here to make a donation.