A former Salina law enforcement member is stepping out for a good cause.

Dean Bonawitz met with members of the media Wednesday at the Saline County Sheriff’s Office to spell out his plan, “I’m walking across Kansas to raise money for cancer research,” he said.

It’s not the first time the 69-year-old prostate cancer survivor has put his shoe leather on the road to raise funds in the fight to end cancer. Back in September of 2012, Bonawitz competed the trek across Kansas – going from north to south along K-14.

This journey will be longer, as he toes the Colorado border on May 12th, with hopes of stepping into Missouri on June 12th.

To do that Bonawitz plans to walk about 15-miles a day as he checks out the scenery along Highway 36.

“I’m looking forward to the people you meet – and you get to see every blade of grass.”

Bonawitz trained by walking 5-miles a day and has an escort vehicle to rest in. He plans to stop about every hour and change socks.

Bonawitz, who worked as a Salina Police Officer and in the Saline County Sheriff’s Office tells KSAL News that
Sheriff Glen Kochanowski has already pledged $1 a mile and he’s hoping more will join in.

To pledge support – Bonawitz says people can send checks to:

Cops For A Cure
251 N. 10th
Salina, Ks 67401

All proceeds will be given to Relay For Life through Cops For A Cure.