Police captain who died suddenly was a runner, so Wilmington honors him with 5K

Family and friends gathered at the Wilmington Riverfront starting line Saturday to remember city police Capt. Stephen Misetic. 

After a quick "Go!" and the blast of an air horn, the runners and walkers started outside the Blue Rocks' stadium to race in his memory. 

Misetic, a 21-year-veteran of the department, died in March of a sudden heart attack in his home. He was the commander of the Drugs, Organized Crime and Vice Unit.  

Don Bluestein, a close friend of Misetic and former co-worker, wanted to help his wife, Colleen Misetic and their twin daughters, Stephanie and Cassie. Bluestein said he reached out to run the idea past her, and she was on board right away. 

The Misetic family was involved in coordinating and running in 5Ks, so Colleen was thrilled with the idea of a memorial run in Stephen's name. 

"He and the girls used to run them together. 5Ks are a part of our family. It's a great way to honor their dad and figure out this new reality we are living in," she said. 

Bluestein worked with sponsors, the city of Wilmington, and the Police Department to organize the run around the Riverfront area. He said he was ready to help the family in any way he could after hearing the news. 

"I had just talked to him on the phone about work stuff that Friday, and he died Saturday," Bluestein said. "I just couldn't believe it."

Colleen was proud of the man she chose, and by all the support she has gotten since his death, she knows everyone else thought he was a good one, too. 

"It's hard to lose your husband at a young age, but we made the most of our time here. He made the most of his time here on earth," she said. 

The community coming together for her and her daughter after the loss has been heartwarming, she said. It takes the edge off of grappling with the unexpected loss of her husband. 

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Police Chief Robert Tracy participated in the run and gave a short speech at the beginning to share Misetic's legacy. 

Misetic's co-workers, neighbors, family and friends ran and walked the 3.1 miles. Tracy handed out awards for age brackets, congratulating each with a handshake or hug. 

"We are all a big family," Tracy said after the run. "I want all of my officers to be like Misetic, then everything would be perfect." 

Purzycki said in a statement the city is still coping with Misetic's passing three months ago and was grateful to all who came out and attended the run. 

"Captain Misetic was highly respected in the community and served us all so well for many years."