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Special Olympics is
truly "special." It is special in ways, which inspire and
reveal the very best in human nature...something we in law
enforcement do not often get to see.
Special Olympics and Law Enforcement have a unique
partnership. The Law Enforcement Torch RunŽ is the largest grassroots
fund raising program benefiting Special Olympics. Today, the event
takes place in 50 states and 30 foreign countries. It has over
75,000 law enforcement officers participating worldwide. Right
here in Wisconsin, we have
1,200 officers from 178 agencies who assisted in raising more than
$1.2 million in 2003.
The Law Enforcement Torch RunŽ is a story of heart
and conviction. What began in 1981 as a local one-run event in
Wichita, Kansas was the brainchild of Wichita Police Chief Richard
LaMunyon... who wanted to give his officers an opportunity to
participate in something positive. In Wisconsin, the Law Enforcement
Torch RunŽ
originates in 17 different cities and converges on Stevens Point,
the site of the Special Olympic Summer Games.
As an officer, I enjoy the chance to meet and
participate in a worthwhile event with fellow law enforcement
officers from across the state. My department benefits from the
positive publicity aligned with this grassroots community project.
The Law Enforcement Torch RunŽ was initiated by the
International Association of Chiefs of Police with the commitment of
the law enforcement community for the purpose of increasing
awareness of and raising funds for Special Olympics. Today I can
tell you it is much more than that.
It is about friendships. It is about commitment to
a cause. It is about the unlimited potential of the human spirit.
The Law Enforcement RunŽ...where the energy and drive of a
single human being can reach out to move hundreds and touch the
heart of thousands.
Now you may be asking yourselves, what does this
mean for me? How do I or how does my department fit in? Every June, I come to the annual Summer Games.
There, I see more than 2000 athletes, 600 coaches and thousands of
spectators and volunteers. I see courage, pride and skill
demonstrated over and over again by individuals the world once
thought incapable of such achievement. But most of all, I take home
memories.....of athletes and officers alike......that will remind me
time and again that human potential and the human spirit can never
be limited. You too can share in those memories. Please commit to carry the Torch!
Thank you for your continued support - Sgt.
G. Flunker
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