Law Enforcement Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run celebrates 35 years in Connecticut this year! Law enforcement across the state will be running in our 3-day Torch Run on June 16th, 17th, and 18th.

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.

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 and 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 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.

Click HERE to visit the Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run web portal for more info.

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

Follow us on social media @CTLETR. 

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