Law Enforcement Torch Run

What is the Law Enforcement Torch Run?

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) began as a grassroots fundraising movement to benefit Special Olympics in 1981. Today, Law Enforcement officers around the world and throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have volunteered countless hours to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement.

The Torch Run efforts to raise funds include: collecting corporate sponsorships, soliciting donations or pledges for runners in the Torch Run, and hosting unique fundraising events such as the Polar Plunge, Beaver Stadium Run, Torch Runs and more.

The Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Torch Run has the support of multiple Local Municipal Police Departments, the Office of the Attorney General, PA Chiefs of Police Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the PA Department of Corrections, the PA Sheriffs Association, the Pennsylvania State Police, the PA National Guard Counterdrug Program, and the Constables Association.

From a Flicker to a Flame

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas (USA), Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to increase awareness of Special Olympics. He also saw it as an ideal way to involve local law enforcement personnel with the Special Olympics community. Thirty years later, that flicker has become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympic athletes worldwide.

Carrying the Flame of Hope

In addition to leading a variety of fundraising vehicles for Special Olympics, the Torch Run is essentially a running event in which officers and athletes carry the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony of local Special Olympics competitions, state/provincial Games, and National Summer or Winter Games. Every two years, law enforcement officers from around the world gather to carry the Flame of Hope in a Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg in honor of the Special Olympics World Summer or World Winter Games.