City of Fort Worth, TX

04/04/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/04/2025 11:57

Law Enforcement Torch Run coming April 25 benefiting Special Olympics

Law Enforcement Torch Run coming April 25 benefiting Special Olympics

Published on April 04, 2025

The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement.

Some background: Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created the Law Enforcement Torch Run in 1981 to help law enforcement be active in the community and support Special Olympics Kansas. In 1983, LaMunyon presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), which officially endorsed the Torch Run as its Founding Law Enforcement Organization. With the IACP's support, LETR became the movement's largest public awareness and fundraising group for Special Olympics.

Why it matters: Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into opening ceremonies of local competitions. They also carry it into Special Olympics state, provincial, national, regional and world games.

There are over 97,000 law enforcement members who carry the Flame of Hope annually. The flame symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity, uniting communities around the globe. Since the beginning, LETR has raised over $600 million for Special Olympics programs.

What's new: On Friday, April 25, the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) will conduct its first annual FWPD Torch Run/Ruck benefiting Special Olympics. The event will be held at the Shops at Clearfork, with opening ceremonies beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the two-mile run/ruck/walk beginning at 9 a.m.

FWPD raises money in various ways throughout the year, including Tip-A-Cop events at Texas Roadhouse and Polar Plunges. For the department, the Torch Run Tip-a-Cop event brings together local law enforcement officers and community members to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics.

Sign up: Individual registration is $25 and comes with a T-shirt.

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