CALLING ALL COPS

On Monday, June 21st, area law enforcement Officers will participate in the “Law Enforcement Torch Run” for Special Olympics. Just some of the Departments scheduled to participate this year are Officers from North Ridgeville, Avon, Avon Lake and Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post 47 – Organizers are still looking for more Departments and more Officers to participate.

The “Law Enforcement Torch Run” began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard La Munyon saw a need to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. He conceived the idea of the Torch Run as a way to involve local law enforcement with the community and Special Olympics. After three successful runs in Kansas, La Munyon presented the idea to the International Association of Chiefs of Police. With the IACP’s endorsement, the idea was launched nationally and today involves law enforcement personnel in all 50 states and about 25 countries throughout the world. This movement has become the largest grass roots fundraising program to benefit Special Olympics in the world.

The Torch Run will begin Monday morning at 8:30 in Avon, travel to the North Ridgeville border on Mills Rd, then through North Ridgeville and end at the Elyria post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

This is the fourth year this event has been held in Lorain County. Approximately $10,000.00 had been raised over the last three years. The money comes from the participants themselves, local merchants and businesses, and individuals throughout the communities. The proceeds benefit the Ohio Special Olympic state games, held in Columbus, Ohio.

Prior to the run, participants collect pledges and contributions and are often sponsored by service groups, schools and businesses that raise funds for the “Law Enforcement Torch Run”.

If anyone who works in Law Enforcement, including Police Officers, Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Prosecutors etc. – are interested in participating in this event please contact Sgt. Vince Abt at the North Ridgeville Police Department at 440.327.2191.


2009 TORCH RUN PHOTO GALLERY