In early 2022, FSG Smart Buildings proudly partnered with the Chris Kelley Foundation to sponsor the annual Chris Kelley Memorial 5K Run/Walk.  On June 25, several of our employees competed in the yearly event in Hutto, Texas, which encourages fun and is open to all ages.

FSG Smart Buildings Employees from left to right: Alex Perez, Seferino Salinas, Austin George, Marie Zuniga, Vincent Carde, Casey Tanzini, and Steven Sparling.

Chris Kelley was a Texas native and graduated from Elgin High School.  At 18, Chris enlisted into active duty in the United States Air Force, where he served for eight years.  While stationed in South Dakota, he met his wife Michele, also an active duty member of the Air Force.

Chris and Michele returned to Texas in 2004, where Chris began serving his central Texas community in a variety of roles, including a Telecommunications Officer with the Texas Department of Public Safety, a Correctional Officer with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections, and a Commissioned Police Officer with the University of Texas at Austin Police Department.  Chris made his final move to the Hutto Police Department in 2008 and immediately fell in love with the community.  He was promoted to Sergeant in 2012 and recognized with the Supervisor of the Year award in 2013.

While working at Hutto PD, Chris decided to go back into the Air Force in the reserve unit in 2008.  In 2009 he was deployed to Afghanistan.  Chris was ultimately promoted to Technical Sergeant.  Working full-time, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree and began work towards his Master’s degree.

Chris was known for his sense of humor, theatrical storytelling abilities, love/hate relationship with fitness, ability to know too much about movies, and mischievous endeavors wherever he went.  Chris loved cooking from scratch, especially for family, and having fun with his children, Makenzie & Nate.  He would be the tickle monster as they would scream through the house.  Chris loved golfing with his friends and taking his wife out on dates.  Professionally Chris was also known as a leader; officers knew Chris had their backs.  Chris was a fitness instructor, crossfit instructor, and he led many trainings to help improve officer skills to help them on the job.

Sgt. Chris Kelley died in the line of duty after he was run over by a suspect.  The deadly incident happened near the intersection of FM 1660 and Meadow Lark Lane in Hutto, Texas

Flowers on display as a memorial in front of the Hutto City Hall and Police Department for Sgt. Chris Kelley, 37 on Wednesday, June 24, 2015.

The Chris Kelley Foundation started an annual 5K race to honor Chris’s life.  Chris’ favorite animal was the sloth.  He was obsessed with them.  This is how the sloth has become part of the race each year.  This is a non-sanctioned, fun for all ages 5K.  The Race activities include an on-site DJ, a silent auction, and a Memorial for all fallen officers.

Want more information about The Chris Kelley Foundation:

The Chris Kelley Foundation is a 100% all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to perpetually recognizing the ultimate sacrifice of Detective Sergeant Chris Kelley.  This Foundation brings communities together to support law enforcement families who have lost a loved one and those critically injured.  The Chris Kelley Foundation honors and pays tribute to all first responders and the military.

For more information visit their website: https://chriskelleyfoundation.com/.