City News
SVPD hosts Torch Run for Special Olympics

On Wednesday, the Sierra Vista Police Department was honored to host the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Twelve officers were joined by nine athletes and two patrol volunteers, who ran from the Rothery Educational Service Center westbound on Fry to the Police Department on Coronado Drive to honor Special Olympic athletes who are participating in the Summer Games that are being held in Glendale this week.

The LETR began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created the Torch Run. He thought the Torch Run would help law enforcement be active in the community and support Special Olympics Kansas. In 1983, Chief LaMunyon presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). They decided to endorse Torch Run and became the “Founding Law Enforcement Organization.” With the IACP’s support, LETR became the movement's largest public awareness and fundraising group for Special Olympics.

As retired Chief Richard LaMunyon once said, “What started in 1981...as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide.” LETR is changing the future for people with intellectual disabilities. Through the LETR and Special Olympics partnership we are lighting the way for acceptance and inclusion.

Since then, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has become the largest fundraising effort for Special Olympics, earning over $600 million dollars!

The City of Sierra Vista is a proud supporter of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and consistently supports our athletes. SVPD thanks everyone who showed the athletes some love yesterday and appreciates the community's ongoing support at the upcoming Tip-A-Cop scheduled for Aug. 15, as well as the Bearcat Pull, which is scheduled for Oct. 23. These annual events benefit Special Olympics Arizona.