Patrolman Samuel Irvin Legacy 5K Run/Walk 2026

Description

We are honored to host the Second Annual Patrolman Samuel C. Irvin Legacy 5K Run/Walk at Mansfield Twp. Park. The event will take place on the paved Kinkora Trail, which winds through both woods and preserved farmland.

This event is in memory of our beloved son, Sam, who tragically passed away from sudden cardiac arrest on 23 July 2023, at the age of 23. Following his passing, we learned that Sam had a rare genetic heart condition called Brugada Syndrome.

Samuel was an exceptional three-sport athlete at Northern Burlington High School and was a four-year starting varsity pitcher. Although baseball was Sam's passion, during his senior year of high school, he decided to play football and basketball. In football, he started at free safety and led the team with six interceptions; in basketball, he started at forward and helped lead the team to the conference title.

Throughout his high school and college playing careers, Sam was recognized by his peers and coaches as a trusted leader and was named team captain more than 4 times. Additionally, Sammy received New Jersey’s 2018 American Legion Sportsmanship of the Year Award, and in 2020, Sam earned Baseball America Second-Team Academic All-American honors.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Sam was known for his extraordinary character. He was not only an outstanding athlete and leader but also incredibly humble and compassionate. Sam befriended a young student with special needs and included him in his personal and social life, and treated him with genuine kindness. Additionally, it was not uncommon for Sam to buy extra food from restaurants and give it to the less fortunate.

Sam was extremely passionate about his family, fiancée, son, friends, teammates, his new career, working out, his Chicago Cubs, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and his dog, Bailey. Sam enjoyed reading his sports Bible, books, and listening to podcasts, all with a focus on education or self-improvement.

At the time of his passing, Sam had recently graduated from Mercer CC and Wilmington University with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Sam graduated from the Gloucester Police Academy on 7 July 2023 and was serving as a patrolman with the Mansfield Twp. Police Department. He is survived by his son, Beau Samuel Irvin.

This event, with your participation and support, will honor Sam's legacy by supporting two important causes:

Student-athlete scholarships at Northern Burlington County Regional High School The Families Behind the Badge Children's Foundation (TFBTBCF)

To date, we have provided scholarships to three outstanding student-athletes and donated $4000 to TFBTBCF. Together, we can continue to honor Sam's memory, raise awareness of Brugada Syndrome, and make a meaningful impact in our community.

Lastly, Sam would often write a favorite quote or a Bible verse on his baseball glove. One passage that truly captured his character was found on his high school glove: Philippians 2:3, which reads, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."

Warmly,

The Irvin and Santucci Families and friends of Sam