Law Enforcement Plays Key Role in Kentucky Special Olympics
Kentucky law Enforcement officers representing multiple agencies from Louisville to Richmond hit the road participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run during the first week of June. The single purpose: raising awareness and funds for the Special Olympics while carrying the Flame of Hope to the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Summer Games.
According to www.specialolympics.org, more than 97,000 law enforcement professionals nationwide participate in carrying the torch to kick off the annual event.
The Kentucky Special Olympics are held in Richmond at Eastern Kentucky University, which hosted the event for the 29th consecutive year in 2023.
Officers with the Richmond Police Department (RPD) annually participate in the final leg of the run, and it is a much-anticipated event for the agency.
“The Richmond Police Department has long been the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run,” said RPD Lt. Daniel Deaton. “RPD has participated in Tip-A-Cop programs at local restaurants to raise money for Special Olympics and the Polar Plunge. RPD always has officers who run in the final leg of the torch run and carry the Flame of Hope.”
This year’s torch run began in Louisville, making its way down I-64 to the capitol and into Lexington, eventually arriving on EKU’s campus.
To begin the final leg of the torch run, law enforcement officers from across the state joined Lt. Gov. Coleman, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Commissioner Philip Burnett, Jr. and officials from Special Olympics in the Capitol Rotunda.
“Since 1968, Special Olympics has provided people with the opportunity to participate in sports and physical activity, while promoting inclusion in all parts of society,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said. “Special Olympics has been an inspiration to us all, lifting our spirits and showing what we can accomplish together.”
The Kentucky State Police have long been a partner of Special Olympics, raising money and awareness for the organization. At the annual summer games, KSP troopers and officers present medals to athletes.
(Photo courtesy of RPD)
“The athletes are excited when troopers and officers present their medals to them. But I believe we are the ones who are most excited and receive the greatest pleasure,” said Commissioner Burnett.
Game organizers and athletes look forward to law enforcement’s participation in the games every year, said Trish Mazzoni, president, and CEO of Special Olympics Kentucky.
“Officers have played an important role in our program for nearly 40 years in many capacities – as fundraisers, through the Final Leg Torch Runs, and as volunteers,” she said. “But I think that having them in uniform as medal presenters is the one that excites our athletes the most. Feeling like they have the support of so many people that many look up to is a thing that gives our athletes a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment, making it a big part of their games experience.”
Deaton said community partnerships are vital for RPD and other law enforcement agencies, and participation in the games is a win-win for everyone involved.
“We are here to provide the best and most professional service that we can to our community, and our whole agency embodies these values,” Deaton said. “The community counts on us to provide that service, and RPD is blessed to have the support from our citizens. It’s essential to be active in the community to maintain that support and respect and represent law enforcement positively.”
According to the Special Olympics website, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began in Wichita, Kansas in 1981. In 1983, the International Association of Chiefs of Police endorsed the torch run, and since then, participation has grown exponentially.
Law enforcement’s participation in 2023 went beyond the torch run as DOCJT Basic Training Class 541 spent several hours assisting event organizers in setting up for the event.
“Community service in law enforcement is important to me for two reasons,” said recruit Michael Smith with the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Office. “It allows me to build on the community I work to protect, and it gives the community a chance to meet the man or woman behind the badge in an approachable setting.”
While the athletes' accomplishments are the primary focus, Deaton said it’s a rewarding time for the officers attending the Special Olympics.
“I love to see excitement in the athletes faces as they compete and perform,” he said, “(seeing them) overcoming obstacles and odds to make the most of every moment. They work hard training and competing and should be an example to every one of us. RPD enjoys being an active partner with the Special Olympics Kentucky and the torch run. We enjoy cheering on the athletes and watching their accomplishments.”
That esprit de corps was reflected in the words of retired Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon, who stated, “What started in 1981...as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide,” according to the Special Olympics website.
