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. 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. Annually, more than 109,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.

In 2017, dedicated law enforcement volunteers raised over $58 million for Special Olympics programs around the World. Over $733 million has been raised since the inception of the LETR.

There are 109 LETR programs in 42 countries.

The man behind the first Torch Run in 1981 was Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon. He conceived the Torch Run 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 such as T-shirt and merchandise sales, special events to include polar bear plunges, Tip-a-Cop and building sits and a host of other events that have local, state and national appeal. The Law Enforcement Torch Run transforms communities by inspiring people to open their minds, to accept an include people with intellectual disabilities, celebrating differences among all people..recognizing and respecting the similarities we all share. 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's athletes.

 (event calendar)

The Law Enforcement Torch Run in 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 run then became a statewide event involving several more cities and towns. Since its inception, the Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run has grown into the largest grassroots fund-raising 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
• Military police and Federal employees (IRS, FBI, DOD, etc)
• Connecticut State Police
• College & University Public Safety

The 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run: June 5-7

The Torch Run will cover over 500 miles and pass through more than 100 cities and towns. Over 1,500 Law Enforcement officers and Special Olympics Athletes will participate in this year’s Torch Run. Officers represent local, state, and federal departments, agencies, and correctional facilities. Take a look at our sponsors for this event!

Click on the following Legs to see the turn by turn routes:

Wednesday, June 5th:  Leg 1  -  Leg 2

Thursday, June 6th:  Leg 3  -  Leg 4  - Leg 4A  -  Leg 5  -  Leg 6

Friday, June 7th:  Leg 7  -  Leg 8  -  Leg 9  -  Leg 9A  -  Leg 9B  -  Leg 10

Click here to connect with others involved with your leg.

Click the map for a full-size image.

- LETR Town Captains: Please confirm with your Leg Coordinator the locations where you hand off the Torch. In some cases, the town lines listed on these routes do not reflect the location where this takes place.

- SOCT Local Coordinators: If you have any questions or concerns regarding athlete runners, please contact Lisa Carlone at [email protected] or 203-230-1201 ext. 231.

2018 Top Ten

1. Branford Police Department

2. Monroe Police Department

3. SBPD/Divers

4. Vernon Police Department

5. Enfield Police Department

6. York Correctional Institution

7. Bristol Police Department

8. Guilford Police Department

9. Cheshire Police Department

10. Simsbury Police Department

Honorable Mention:

Avon Police Department

Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Center

Orange Police Department

Trumbull Police Department

West Haven Police Department

For LETR manual and forms click the links below:

• Torch Run Handbook 
• Adopt A Mile  
• Runner Waiver 
• Fundraising Event Form 
• Fundraising Receipt Form 
• Department Sign up Form 
• Merchandise Order and Return Form 
• Resources
• Vendor Sponsor Form

Co-Torch Run Directors

Assistant Torch Run Director

Lieutenant Tim Bernier, Guilford PD

Statewide Torch Run Liaison

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors