"Being involved in the Torch Run has been the most rewarding part of my 25-year law enforcement career. It gives officers the opportunity to see people at their best and experience the monumental success of the Special Olympics athletes. In a career where appreciation is rare, these athletes make the officers feel like celebrities."

     Sgt. Jeri Roeder, Lincoln Police Department

In 1981, Chief Richard LaMunyon of the Wichita Police Department in Witchita, Kan., created the Law Enforcement Torch run as a way to involve his officers in the community by running a torch relay for their local Special Olympics. The first Torch Run involved six officers and raised no money. More than 25 years later, the Torch Run has grown to include more than 100 separate runs in 35 countries and raised $32 million to support community based sport programs for people with intellectual disabilities. The Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraising event for Special Olympics.