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Dozens turn out to remember Officer David Nelson one year after he died in the line of duty

Posted at 11:52 AM, Jun 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-26 15:08:24-04

Dozens turned out to McMurtrey Aquatic Center in Bakersfield to remember Officer David Nelson who died on June 26, 2015. 

Officer Nelson died in a car crash while he was on duty, chasing after a suspect. He had been with the Bakersfield Police Department and was the first officer who died in the line of duty since 1983. 

On Sunday, the Bakersfield Police Department's physical fitness committee organized a fundraiser in memory of Officer Nelson. 

"We're calling it the 'End of Watch W.A.D.' --workout of the day-- we kind of developed this because today is the anniversary of David Nelson's passing," said Chris Feola, a detective with BPD. 

The workout consisted of a 1-mile run, push-ups, squats, crunches and then 19 laps in the swimming pool. 

Feola said they expected 20-30 people from the Bakersfield Police Department, but after putting the event on social media they had a larger turnout than expected.

"Hopefully next year -- on the anniversary -- we'll be able to do this again, and do it bigger," said Feola.