Law Enforcement Torch Run

Acton Police Detective Attends Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference for Special Olympics

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Acton Police Department
Richard Burrows, Chief of Police
371 Main St.
Acton, MA 01720

For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 11, 2019

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Acton Police Detective Attends Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference for Special Olympics

ACTON — Chief Richard Burrows is pleased to announce that Det. Jon Stackhouse attended the 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Conference for Special Olympics in September.

The conference took place Sept. 18-21 in Aurora, Colorado. Over 1,200 officers were in attendance from around the world, including 16 officers from Massachusetts.

While at the conference, attendees went to an opening session each morning, heard from and met Special Olympics athletes and their families, received awards for fundraising efforts and attended breakout sessions. The sessions offered attendees the opportunity to learn about topics such as the history of the LETR and Special Olympics organizations, how to interact with residents with special needs, creative ways to raise money for the organization and how to host a Torch Run event.

Det. Stackhouse was also selected to be a Guardian of the Flame Miners Lamp Escort. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Miners Lamp, which holds the “Flame of Hope,” into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions. The Flame is meant to be symbolic of the law enforcement profession which represents everything that is principled, fair and
decent. The Flame also represents a vision, the future and hope for the athletes and their families.

Throughout the year, departments around the world raise money for Special Olympics through the LETR campaign. Acton Police have organized fundraising activities such as hosting Tip-A-Cop events at local restaurants, participating in a Boston-area cruiser convoy and taking part in an annual Polar Plunge. More than $650,000 was raised by Massachusetts law enforcement departments for the LETR campaign in 2018.

The LETR campaign has raised over $700 million for Special Olympics since it began in 1981. All of the funds raised go to Special Olympics so the athletes don’t have to pay for uniforms or supplies to participate in sports.

“It was an honor for me to attend the conference and be one of the officers who represented our state,” Det. Stackhouse said. “It was moving to hear from the athletes and their families about how this organization makes a difference, and to see how what we’re doing on a local level is also being done on an international level. It makes us very happy to see how we are making an impact on the athletes’ lives and it encourages those of us who attend to go back to our towns and strive to do more.”

“Special Olympics is a wonderful cause and we were happy to be able to send Det. Stackhouse to this conference,” Chief Burrows said. “We are proud to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign and look forward to continuing to contribute to the organization through various fundraising activities.”

About Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics:

The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is to raise funds for and awareness of the Special Olympics movement worldwide. The LETR for Special Olympics engages law enforcement worldwide championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities. Over the years the Torch Run has evolved and now encompasses a variety of innovative fundraising platforms to include Plane Pulls, Polar Plunges, Tip-A-Cops, and more. Learn more about LETR.

Learn about the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run Program.

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Rochester Police Officer to Light Cauldron at Special Olympics State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies

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  Rochester Police Department
Paul Toussaint, Chief
23 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rochester Police Officer to Light Cauldron at Special Olympics State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies

Rochester Police Department Community Engagement Officer Kyle Danie will light the ceremonial cauldron to kick off 2018 Special Olympics New Hampshire State Summer Games. (Courtesy Photo Rochester Police)

ROCHESTER — Chief Paul Toussaint is pleased to announce that Community Engagement Officer Kyle Danie will light the ceremonial cauldron to signify the start of the Special Olympics New Hampshire State Summer Games later this week.

The lighting of the cauldron will serve as the culmination of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, during which the Flame of Hope will be carried more than 500 miles by participating law enforcement officers from throughout the state.

On Friday, June 1, residents are encouraged to come out and cheer on the Rochester officers running Rochester’s portion of the Torch Run. Officers receive the torch from members of the Farmington Police Department on Route 11 at the town line at approximately 6:30 a.m.

They will run the torch on an eight-mile stretch from Route 11, through downtown, up Rochester Hill Road and will then hand off the torch to the Somersworth Police Department.

The Flame of Hope will conclude its journey at the University of New Hampshire’s Wildcat Stadium. The Opening Ceremonies parade will begin at 8 p.m. in the stadium, and Officer Danie will light the cauldron to officially open the games.

“Officer Danie has been fantastic in his role as our community engagement officer, and I know he is eager to be involved in an incredible event that brings so many people together,” Chief Toussaint said. “The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a meaningful tradition that we’re all proud to take part in, and we’re all looking forward to it again this year.”

Officer Justin Seckendorf of the Rochester Police Motor Unit will also represent the department at the opening ceremony, where he’ll ride a department motorcycle in the motor parade for the Olympians.

During this year’s Summer Games, 800 athletes from across New Hampshire will compete in numerous events.

About the Law Enforcement Torch Run:
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics (LETR) is a volunteer movement that was established by members of the law enforcement community to support the Special Olympics. The mission of LETR is to increase awareness and raise funds for the Special Olympics movement.

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Bedford Police Officers and Firefighters to Participate in Polar Plunge to Raise Money for Special Olympics

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For Immediate Release

Monday, April 2, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Bedford Police Officers and Firefighters to Participate in Polar Plunge to Raise Money for Special Olympics

BEDFORD — Police Chief Robert Bongiorno and Fire Chief David Grunes are pleased to announce that members of the Bedford Police and Fire departments will be taking part in the Polar Plunge at Long Lake Beach in Littleton this weekend, to raise money for Special Olympics Massachusetts.

WHERE:

Long Lake Beach, 18 Town Road, Littleton

WHEN: 

Saturday, April 7, at 11 a.m.

WHO: 

The Bedford Police and Fire departments have partnered with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Massachusetts to take part in their fifth annual Polar Plunge event.

The LETR is an international charity made up of law enforcement officers that raises funds and increases awareness for the Special Olympics.

Special Olympics Massachusetts provides year-round training, athletic competition and other programs for over 12,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state. Special Olympics is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

WHAT:

From the shore of Long Lake Beach, officers and firefighters will run into the frigid water, along with dozens of other participants, on the day of the event. Before they take the plunge, however, police officers and firefighters participating in the event will be seeking donations to help reach their goal of raising $1,000.

For more information about how to donate, click here.

“What a great opportunity for our departments to join together to raise money for the Special Olympics. We are very fortunate to be able to participate in this year’s event,” Police Chief Bongiorno said. “I want to thank everyone in advance for their generous donations and hopefully the water isn’t too cold this weekend!”

Fire Chief Grunes said, “The firefighters and police officers that have volunteered to participate in this event epitomize the quality and passion of men and women that serve our town.”

The Polar Plunge is one of LETR’s premiere fundraising events of the year. In 2017, more than 1,000 people participated in plunge events in Pittsfield, Sharon, Marlborough, Hull, Revere and other towns. The events raised over $400,000 for Special Olympics Massachusetts.

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*Media Advisory* Over 100 Massachusetts Police Departments to Participate in Special Olympics Cruiser Convoy

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 9, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

*Media Advisory*

Over 100 Massachusetts Police Departments to Participate in Special Olympics Cruiser Convoy

BOSTON, MA — Over 100 police departments from throughout Massachusetts will come together Saturday for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, forming a Cruiser Convoy that will ride together to the Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games

WHEN: 

Saturday, June 10, 2017

WHERE: 

Members of the media interested in interviewing participants or observing the convoy’s departure may do so by showing up at any of these locations prior to the scheduled departure time. 

  • Southwest: Departs from I-95 northbound rest area in Mansfield at 9:30 a.m.
  • South Shore: Departs from the South Shore Plaza (near Macy’s) at 10:15 a.m.
  • Cape Cod: Departs from the Friendly’s at 10 Canal Rd. in Sagamore at 9:15 a.m.
  • North Shore: Departs from the Liberty Tree Mall at 9:45 a.m.
  • Middlesex North: Departs from Camp Curtis Guild in Reading at 10:15 a.m.
  • West: Departs from the Lee service area at 8 a.m. and the Natick service area on the Mass Pike at 10:30 a.m.
  • Final Rally Point: Entire convoy departs from Boston College Law School at 11 a.m.
  • Destination: Harvard University athletic fields,

WHO:

More than 100 police departments, including every department from Essex County, and as many as 25 department chiefs.

WHAT: 

Police Departments from all corners of Massachusetts will join forces for the 10th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Cruiser Convoy, which will rally around the athletes participating in the Special Olympics of Massachusetts Summer Games.

With lights and sirens activated as they drive toward Harvard University, law enforcement officers will draw attention to the excitement of the games before spending time with the athletes and their families, congratulating them for their accomplishments at the games.

“We are eagerly anticipating the Cruiser Convoy, which will be nothing short of an epic display of support for the athletes who make the Special Olympics so great,” Middleton Police Chief James Digianvittorio said. “I have no doubt that it will be a fun day, and I know that my fellow officers from throughout the commonwealth all take great pride in being able to bring smiles to the athletes’ faces.”

For more information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Massachusetts, click here.

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