Taking a Look at Impact of the Hotsinpiller Foundation and What You Can Do to Help Increase that Impact
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on March 16, 2026
When you think about the things that define our community, what comes to mind?
For some, it might be the roar of the crowd at Wayne Jamison Field on a Friday night. For others, it’s the quiet dedication of our public 
works crews on a snowy winter morning or maybe the steady business growth and revitalization we continue to see along Main Street.
works crews on a snowy winter morning or maybe the steady business growth and revitalization we continue to see along Main Street.
Perhaps it is the city’s continued expansion in White Oaks and Charles Pointe, or the constant flurry of activity at The Bridge Sports Complex, that best demonstrates our essential nature. Actually, those are all great answers, but I would like to offer a different one. If you want to see the community and heart of Bridgeport in action, you don’t have to look much further than the first Saturday in June when hundreds of runners, joggers, and walkers hit the streets for the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K.
The race is followed that evening by Paint the Night Blue, a fun and exciting fundraising gala celebrating law enforcement. The primary focus of both events is to raise funds for the Hotsinpiller Foundation, whose mission is to provide scholarships to criminal justice students and law enforcement officers, support fallen and injured officers, and their families, and provide for the needs of law enforcement agencies.
It is often said that Bridgeport is a community that functions like a family. We don’t just stand by when challenges arise; we look for the path forward. The Hotsinpiller Foundation is the perfect example of that spirit. What started as a small group of family and friends looking to honor two of our own, Bridgeport PD Lt. Jim Hotsinpiller and Deputy U.S. Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller, has grown into a movement that reaches far beyond our city limits. How do you measure the impact of such an organization? If you’re a numbers person, the “stats" are impressive. Since 2011, the foundation has:
- Awarded 76 scholarships totaling over $215,000.
- Provided 10 specialized scholarships for Law Enforcement Officers to further their education.
- Seen over 8,400 participants run nationwide and internationally in honor of law enforcement officers.
- Contributed nearly $38,000 in grants to directly benefit the law enforcement community.
To date, the Hotsinpiller Foundation has awarded well over a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships, grants, and awards. But the truest measure of impact isn't just a number on a spreadsheet or a check—it’s the change in the lives of those around us. When you read the
stories of the scholarship recipients, you see the real-world results of this hard work. You hear from students like Brayden, who felt a sense of pride meeting Mrs. Hotsinpiller and was inspired to carry on a mission of service. You read about officers like Justin, a detective who worked 60-hour weeks while going to school full-time, fueled by the memory and legacy of the Hotsinpiller family.
stories of the scholarship recipients, you see the real-world results of this hard work. You hear from students like Brayden, who felt a sense of pride meeting Mrs. Hotsinpiller and was inspired to carry on a mission of service. You read about officers like Justin, a detective who worked 60-hour weeks while going to school full-time, fueled by the memory and legacy of the Hotsinpiller family.
The gratitude of families who have received a much-needed grant from the Foundation after the loss of a loved one in the line of duty is extremely moving. Or the sense of satisfaction in providing synthetic drug detection training kits and canine protective vests to K9 teams across the state. These are just a few examples of the foundation’s reach and impact, which only continue to grow. It’s the "Bridgeport Way.” The idea that excellence isn't just an act, but a habit. The foundation doesn't just hand out checks; it builds a family. Recipients talk about a "standard to uphold" and a "long-term purpose." That is how success breeds success. By supporting the next generation of law enforcement and criminal justice professionals, the foundation ensures that the dedication to service shown by Jim and Derek continues for generations to come. Heading into the 2026 DHFS 5K, runners from all 50 states and over 20 countries worldwide are participating in the race. Think about that for a second.
The 15th largest city in West Virginia is hosting an annual event with national and international reach. And it continues to grow. Why? 
Because people recognize the value of what is happening here. They see a community that supports and encourages one another, a community that isn't comfortable with complacency. They understand the importance of the foundation’s mission.
Because people recognize the value of what is happening here. They see a community that supports and encourages one another, a community that isn't comfortable with complacency. They understand the importance of the foundation’s mission.
The Hotsinpiller Foundation is proof that when we work together, opportunity doesn't just live here—it thrives. It isn't by chance; it is by choice. The Hotsinpiller Foundation and the DHFS5K choose to do more, to be more. They realize the true value of law enforcement. They choose to honor and support the dedicated officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve our communities and the citizens who live in them. It is an easy choice.
How You Can Help: Become a Sponsor. The work of the Hotsinpiller Foundation is made possible by the generosity of our local business community and individual supporters. If you or your business would like to help continue this legacy of service and education, consider becoming a sponsor. Your support helps fund scholarships and provides vital resources for law enforcement officers and their families.
To learn more about sponsorship levels or to contribute, visitthehotsinpillerfoundation.org and help us keep the stars shining bright. How You Can Help: Join the Race. Join the hundreds of local participants for the DHFS 5Kon June 6th or virtually at your convenience. Be part
of a fellowship that supports each other and the law enforcement community. The festival atmosphere on race day is a one-of-a-kind experience. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of the fun.
of a fellowship that supports each other and the law enforcement community. The festival atmosphere on race day is a one-of-a-kind experience. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of the fun.
To register for the in-person or virtual race, click HERE to join us in honoring our law enforcement community.
How You Can Help: Dance the Night Away. Join us at the Enchanted Swan for an evening of live music, great food, cocktails, and fun in support of an outstanding cause. Every ticket helps us continue providing scholarships, community outreach, and acts of appreciation for law enforcement officers throughout the year.
To learn more about the Paint the Night Blue event or to order tickets, click HERE and be a part of an exciting evening of fun to support the mission.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Chief Mark Rogers presenting a scholarship from the Hotsinpiller Foundation, while second photo show Pam Hotsinpiller presenting a scholarship. In the third image, community members are shown at the gala that follows the race to support the foundation. Bottom photo shows support for law enforcement, another crucial component of the foundation.
