Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement. LETR began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created the Torch Run. He thought the Torch Run would help law enforcement be active in the community and support Special Olympics Kansas. In 1983, Chief LaMunyon presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). They decided to endorse Torch Run and became the Founding Law Enforcement Organization. With the IACPs support, LETR became the movements largest public awareness and fundraising group for Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions. They also carry it into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. There are over 97,000 law enforcement members that carry the Flame of Hope annually. The flame symbol...