INDIANAPOLIS -- Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Baker was killed during a gun battle that started with a chase on the city’s north side on September 17, 2001.

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He was just 24-years-old.

But his memory lives on. Each year, hundreds of people lace up their shoes for the Beyond the Badge 5K race.

The race not only pays tribute to Baker, it’s also a way for the community to thank the men and women who live and die on their behalf.

"He had so much respect for anybody who put the uniform on, so that was one of our themes, a time to say thanks for those who have served, those who are serving and then our college recipients those who will serve in the future,” Jerry Baker said.

Proceeds from the event go to students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. So far in 2015, Indiana has not lost any law enforcement members. Nationwide, fatalities are up by 12-percent compared to this time last year.

"Deputy Baker, he wasn't just a hero because of the manner of which he died, he was a hero because of the manner in which he served every single day.  that's what we want to stress to folks that there are thousands of Jason Baker's out there who are serving them and protecting them and really trying to do the best they can on their behalf,” said Rick Snyder, President of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Fraternal Order of Police.

This year’s Beyond the Badge 5K fell on the 2-year anniversary of IMPD Officer Rod Bradway's death. He was killed in 2013 when he heard a woman screaming for help and stepped in to save her.

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