The City of Bridgeport welcomed the 16th annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K that began and ended at Bridgeport City Park this morning.
Hundreds of local runners, joined by hundreds more running virtually in all 50 states and multiple countries around the world, competed in the competition. There was also a large contingent from the law enforcement community…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) – Ashley Hotsinpiller stops by for today’s community chat to tell us about the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars Memorial 5k!
All the events will be on June 6th and for more info and registration, visit thehotsinpillerfoundation.org.
Check out the full interview….
There is a unique and magical event that happens every June at the Bridgeport City Park.
You can feel it in the air.
The shared breath of hundreds of runners, the low hum of the crowd before the starting pistol, and that sea of runners that seems to stretch as far as the eye can see…..
There is a unique kind of quiet that settles over Bridgeport after the last runner has crossed the finish line at the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K. It’s that exhausted, satisfied feeling that comes when a community has collectively poured its heart into something meaningful. But last year, that silence was replaced…
Recently, I was watching my grandson trying his best to keep up with my wife’s dog, Quincy, as they ran across our backyard. If you’ve ever seen a similar scene, you know that you have witnessed one of life’s most perfect partnerships. There’s a certain magic in the bond between a child and a dog—it’s a relationship built on pure, unadulterated joy, a shared sense of wonder, and a level of energy that most of us adults can only envy…
A powerful day for the Hotsinpiller Foundation occurred this past Saturday as part of its ongoing mission to encourage, support, and honor law enforcement. The foundation hosted its second round of K-9 drug detection kit distributions at Bridgeport Municipal Complex…
“Bo Knows!”
That was the catchphrase for the iconic Nike advertising campaign featuring professional two-sport athlete Bo Jackson. Playing in the NFL and MLB, Jackson is the only professional athlete to reach All-Star status in two major American sports.
Growing up, Jackson excelled in football, baseball, and track & field….
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) – The Hotsinpiller Foundation stopped by the Bridgeport Police Department to donate K9 kits to law enforcement officers from around the state.
The kits utilize scent to help a K9 enhance its ability to detect substances such as heroin and methamphetamine.
The Hotsinpiller Foundation honors the legacy of ….
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….
Challenging. That is one word used to describe the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K course. Many of the runners, joggers, and walkers have used other adjectives to characterize the route, some of which would not be wise to share here. However, the fact of the matter is that it was intentionally designed that way…
Fifteen years ago today, Deputy U.S. Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his community.
On February 16, 2011, Hotsinpiller was shot and killed while serving a warrant with two other deputy marshals at a home in Elkins. He had served with the U.S. Marshals Service for just over a year…
People don’t like change. While an accurate statement some of the time, it is definitely not always true. It really just depends on what change you want to make. Sometimes change can actually be a great thing. As John F. Kennedy said, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” For one local group, the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K Race Committee, the focus on improvement and looking to the future is always front and center.
The Hotsinpiller Foundation announces 2025 winners of The James and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial scholarship.
The recipient of the Law Enforcement Officer Scholarship, Andrew Vernon is employed by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. He attended Glenville State University where he majored in Administration of Justice.
Kyleigh Anderson is a 2025 graduate of Bridgeport High School….
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K – race supporters and members of the community came together race night for a celebration as the first “Paint the Night Blue” ball was held. Featuring live music, appetizers, signature cocktails and a cash bar, the event returns for the second year.
On a crisp morning in Bridgeport, West Virginia, the rhythmic pounding of thousands of sneakers replaces the silence of the city park. This is the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K, a local tribute that has evolved into a global movement of solidarity. This annual tradition transforms collective grief into measurable community progress, honoring those who serve behind the badge while ensuring their sacrifices fuel a brighter future for the next generation of public servants. This year’s race, marking another milestone in the foundation’s history, will be held on June 6th. Registration for the race is now open.
A Mission Born from Sacrifice
A branch of The Hotsinpiller Foundation, The James and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Scholarship announces its latest scholarship recipients.
Lt. Jim Hotsinpiller was a member of the Bridgeport Police Department at the time of his passing. Derek followed in his father’s footsteps, entering law enforcement, and serving as a Deputy United States Marshal. He was fatally wounded while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. The scholarship was established to assist students interested in pursuing degrees in criminal justice.
A near-record crowd was on hand to take part in the 15th annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K last weekend. The race included runners from all 50 states and 20 different countries.
Photos from the event available in the third of three Joe LaRocca galleries below.
A near-record crowd was on hand to take part in the 15th annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K last weekend. The race included runners from all 50 states and 20 different countries.
Photos from the event available in the second of three Joe LaRocca galleries below.
On Saturday morning, the rain stopped and the skies turned blue for the 15th Annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K. Some ran the tough course in record time and others walked, some even pushing strollers and walking dogs.
The 15th annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K took place on Saturday with runners from 20 countries, all 50 states and a total number of runners that surpoassed 1,000.
Photos from the event in Joe LaRocca’s gallery below.
The Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K will take place for the 15th consecutive year on Saturday and this year’s race is shaping up to be the biggest yet.
There will be at least one runner from all 50 states as well as Washington D.C. and the Northern Marina Islands.
While the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K has proven itself to be a popular event for the community, state and beyond, Saturday’s 15th annual race will have an impressive international feel.
A goal was created back in January to have runners from 15 countries sign up to participate in either the in-person or virtual race.
The 15th annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K took place on Saturday with runners from 20 countries, all 50 states and a total number of runners that surpoassed 1,000.
Photos from the event in Joe LaRocca’s gallery below.
In a little more than a week, Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K will take place for the 15th consecutive year and this year’s race is shaping up to be the biggest yet.
Some lofty goals were set and all of them are closing in on being accomplished. Centering around the anniversary number 15 – the target was 15 runners from each of the 50 states, 15 runners from 15 different countries and 1,500 total competitors (in-person and those who choose to participate virtually).
It was an evening of the present and future for law enforcement as well as paying respect to its past Monday evening. During last night’s City Council meeting, the Bridgeport’s Police Department officially welcomed its two newest members and a proclamation paving the way for a bridge being named in honor of the late Deputy U.S. Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller was approved.
One of Bridgeport’s most identifiable names and a true hero will be recognized permanently in the city and the first step for that will take place at Monday’s Bridgeport City Council meeting.
During the May 12 session, Council will make a proclamation for the City Park bridge to be dedicated as the DUSM (Deputy United States Marshal) Derek W. Hotsinpiller Memorial Bridge.
While race officials for the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K are busy making sure the 15th anniversary of the event this June is the biggest and best yet, they are also putting things in place to making sure one part of the day, celebrating it’s second year, will also be bigger and better.
A Kids K was introduced for the first time last year, in honor of fallen K9 officers, and it was a smashing success.
On the evening of Saturday, June 7 – the day of the Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K – race supporters and members of the community will come together for a celebration.
The very first “Paint the Night Blue” ball will be held at The “O” by Oliverio’s. A ticketed event featuring live music, appetizers, signature cocktails and a cash bar, it’s an evening not to be forgotten and one that has been imagined for some time.
During the recent Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars Memorial 5K Race held in Bridgeport and pair of individuals picked up a special honor for their efforts in the event.
Bridgeport Police Officer Austen Zorick and Officer Clayton Bee on winning the Top Cop Team in the event. Winning the “Top Cop” during the race held in memory of Hotsinpiller, a Bridgeport resident from a law enforcement family, makes it even more special.
The 14th annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K took place on Saturday and the event had a record turnout of more than 1,100 participants.
The event also featured for the first time a Kids K.
Joe LaRocca was there to capture some of the sights.
For a couple of years I had been thinking about taking part in the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K. On my birthday this year, May 16, I finally committed to it and signed up.
Yesterday I did it. I completed the 5K course. I walked the entire way and I did it in a time of 54:49.12. A few people passed me along the way but I passed a few too. I wouldn’t have cared if I was the last person across the finish line, I was going to do it and I did it.
The 14th annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K took place on Saturday and more than 1,100 runners participated.
Results from the race can be found HERE
Photos from the event can be viewed in a Joe LaRocca gallery below.
With race day rapidly approaching for the 14th annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K, nobody is more anxious than Ashley Hotsinpiller.
As race coordinator for the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K which takes place on Saturday at the Bridgeport City Park, a lot of time, passion and work goes into making the event as memorable as possible on a yearly basis.
“I love and look forward to this,” Hotsinpiller said. But I am getting to the point where ‘I’m tired now’ and ready for a nap.”
Since its inception in 2011, the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K has strived to find a way to make the event even better the following year.
One of the most popular and successful additions came in 2018 with the introduction of a Virtual 5K.
As of late last week, a virtual runner from 40 of the 50 states has signed up for this year’s race, which happens in six days on June 8 at the Bridgeport City Park.
The James and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Foundation recently made its second donation to provide assistance for a state law enforcement officer.
This is from the foundation’s Facebook page:
“In our ongoing mission to support our law enforcement officers, we recently had the privilege of providing assistance to a West Virginia state trooper and his family during a time of unimaginable hardship.
When the James and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Foundation launched in 2023, the goal was to expand beyond just awarding scholarships and be in a position to provide assistance, support, and even equipment to law enforcement agencies and officers and their families. Recently, that goal became reality as the first official donation made by the Hotsinpiller Foundation ….
Since its inception 14 years ago, organizers of the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K have thrived to not only make their event a memorable one, but one that is always looking for ways to be even better.
This year’s race will be on June 8 and for the first time it will feature a Kids K.
“We’re really excited about it,” race coordinator Ashley Hotsinpiller said. “This is absolutely one of the things that has always been on the radar. It’s something that has come up over the years as we have planned but we only have so much manpower getting some things in place.
The shotgun start is at 8:30 a.m. Within minutes, the first of runners cross the finish line and others follow suit for the next hour or so. There is music, activity and celebration; congratulatory hugs and awards. By 10:30 a.m., the hundreds of people gathered for the annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K are all gone from Bridgeport City Park.
For those few hours of activity and the dollars raised for the Jim and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Scholarship, Ashley Hotsinpiller works year-round. Even before one race begins, the wheels are in motion for the next year’s event.
A branch of The Hotsinpiller Foundation, The James and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Scholarship announces latest scholarship recipients.
Lt. Jim Hotsinpiller was a member of the Bridgeport Police Department at the time of his passing. Derek followed in his father’s footsteps, entering law enforcement, and serving as a Deputy United States Marshal. He was fatally wounded while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. The scholarship was established to assist students interested in pursuing degrees in criminal justice.
Saturday’s 13th edition of the annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K race at Bridgeport City Park.saw a record number of particiants take part. More than 1,100 were in the field, including those involved locally as well as virtually.
The overall winner was Aiden Kneeland, a student at Beckley’s Woodrow Wilson High School. He finished with a time of 16 minutes, 3.37 seconds. The top female finisher was Robert C. Byrd High School graduate Claudia Moore, who posted a time of 18 minutes, 59.56 seconds.
Complete results can be found HERE.
Photos in the link below are by Joe LaRocca. His first gallery can be found HERE.
When you put your time and passion and heart into planning an event, there reaches a point where the excitement level bursts and you are just ready for the day to arrive.
Such is the case for Dustin and Ashley Hotsinpiller as we are just now two days out from the 13th annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K.
The race is named in honor of the late US Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller and the entire law enforcement community, and all proceeds benefit the James and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Foundation.
“We are so ready for it to get here,” Ashley Hotsinpiller said. “I said to Dustin, it’s almost like planning for Christmas. You put all that work into it and it’s that anticipation that builds up. We are thrilled and excited because we have some great momentum going right now.”
How do you respond to tragedy? Faced with the unthinkable, our response reveals much about our faith, strength, and resolve.
I have witnessed what I believe to be one of the most inspiring, faith-filled responses to loss imaginable. In the wake of losing her husband Jim, a Bridgeport Police officer, to a heart attack and then her youngest son Derek, a United States Marshall, who was shot in Elkins during a drug arrest, Pam Hotsinpiller has maintained her faith, strength, and grace in a way I’m just not sure I could.
In late-March, K9 Advocates presented two Harrison County Sheriff’s Department canines with top-of-the-line K9 storm vests and leashes, valued at $6,000 each.
Filou and Max each received the custom-fitted life-saving equipment in honor of fallen law enforcement officer, Derek Hotsinpiller. The vests were embroidered to reflect that honor.
“Law enforcement in Harrison County like to stick together,” said K9 Advocates President Jon Flanagan. “They do a lot of wonderful things through the (Hotsinpiller) foundation.”
Canines are on the front lines and are often the first to enter a dangerous situation, therefore making the equipment important, Flanagan said.
The James and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Foundation, Inc. is solely responsible for the content of this website. The official badge of Deputy U.S. Marshals is used with permission of the U.S. Marshals Service and does not indicate an endorsement by that agency of the content of this website.
