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What is the Law Enforcement Torch Run?

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Among the popular year-round fundraisers are the Tip-A-Cop® and Penguin Plunge events. Annually, a three-day Torch Run takes place every June leading up to the Special Olympics Summer Games. Known honorably as Guardians of the Flame®, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional, and World Games. For athletes and officers alike, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is a story of success, love, respect, and commitment between law enforcement officers and Special Olympic athletes.

Law Enforcement Torch Run For Special Olympics Connecticut

In 1986, Connecticut had its first Torch Run with a few legs converging onto the campus of the University of Connecticut at Storrs. The Torch Run then became a statewide event involving several more cities and towns. Since its inception, the LETR has grown into the largest grass-roots fundraising event for Special Olympics Connecticut.

Connecticut Participation at a Glance

1,500 active and retired law enforcement
Over 90 active municipal departments
18 Department of Correction facilities

Resources & Downloads

2024 Adopt-a-Mile Form - Pay By Credit/Debit

2024 Adopt-a-Mile Form - Pay By Check

2024 Merchandise Order Form

2024 Fundraising Receipt

2024 CTLETR Handbook

2024 T-Shirt Flyer

 

 

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2024 Torch Run

May 29 - May 31

Upcoming CT LETR Events

View All Upcoming Events

Looking to Get Involved with the LETR?

For information contact Amy Zdanowski at amyz@soct.org or contact a member of our LETR Council below.

 

Follow the CT LETR on social media

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Be sure to check out photos from events year-round by visiting our Smug Mug album!

View Photos

Female athlete wearing a black t-shirt, shorts and yellow sunglasses running in front of a police car holding a torch.
Athletes running on the road waving their arms and holding flags.

History of the LETR

The first Torch Run took place in 1981 and was conceived by Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon as a way to involve local law enforcement personnel in the community and to support Special Olympics. The Torch Run was quickly adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) now recognized as the founding law enforcement organization for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics.

Today, the Torch Run is more than just a run and encompasses a variety of fundraising vehicles and a host of other events that have local, state, and national appeal. For athletes and officers alike, the LETR for Special Olympics is a story of success, love, respect, and commitment between law enforcement officers and Special Olympic athletes.

SOCT LETR Hall of Fame Inductees

The Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame honors individuals or groups who, through their hard work and dedication to our mission, have made a significant impact on the Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Connecticut movement, at the local, regional and state levels. The Hall of Fame award is the most prestigious award given in the Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run community.

2023
Dustin Demonte & Alex Hamzy

2022
Kelly Walsh

2021
Carlo Guerra

2020
Don Crabtree

2019
Lisa Carlone

2018
CSP Traffic Services

2017
Joe Carlone

2016
Todd Pelazza

2015
Beau Doherty

2014
Joe Dooley

2013
Bill Fountain

2012
Dave Marinelli

2011
Paul Zarnetski

2010
Bonnie Anderson

2009
Ray Wiederhold

2008
Gary Mazzone

CT LETR Council & Leg Coordinators