LAKE NONA, Fla. – Community members pushed their limits in a 26-hour endurance event to honor Orange County SWAT Deputy Michael Milmerstadt and Lt. Ellie Shea.
The “Ruck for Mike” challenge, saw participants carrying weighted backpacks while walking an 18-mile loop, aiming to complete 72 miles in 26 hours. This grueling test of physical and mental stamina embodies the resilience and dedication that defined Milmerstadt’s life and career and the courage of Lt. Shea.
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Rhett Barber, who was Milmerstadt’s best friend since their teenage years, organized the event to keep his friend’s memory alive.
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Lt. Shea was shot in the head and killed on Oct. 14, 2024, by her estranged husband who was a former sergeant at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Milmerstadt died March 23, 2023, after suffering a serious brain injury that initially presented three days earlier as a bad headache.
His sudden loss deeply affected the community, particularly his younger brother, Brian Milmerstadt.
“He was my everything. He was my role model. He was my protector. You know, he was my teacher. So, you know, he was my world,” Brian Milmerstadt said, reflecting on the profound impact his brother had on his life.
The event drew participants from various backgrounds, but they all are driven by a shared sense of purpose and community, according to Barber.
“What’s amazing is to watch the people come out and, you know, for the athletes, maybe take some 4.5 hours to complete the 18 miles. But for the people who don’t workout, it’s taking them ten, ten hours almost to complete one lap, and then they’re going back out for another ten hours,” Barber noted, highlighting the determination of the participants.
Jomal Whiteside, co-owner of CrossFit Lions Den, emphasized the event’s importance: “It’s a huge part of the community here in Lake Nona and a huge part of the community for law enforcement. So, I’m glad that we could be a part of it and continue to be a part of it year after year.”
The “Ruck for Mike” challenge not only commemorates Deputy Milmerstadt and Lt. Shea, but also embodies their spirit of perseverance and community service.
For more information on the event and how to support the cause, visit ruckformike.com.
