SFS participates in the Law Enforcement Torch Run

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katherine Holt
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
More than 50 members of the 6th Security Forces Squadron and MacDill Team members basewide participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run May 1.

Security Forces received the torch, also known as the "Flame of Hope," from the Pinellas County Police Department by boat at Pelican Pier here at 9:35 a.m. Security Forces carried the torch 2.7 miles to the Ballast Point Pier, where the Tampa Police Department took over. The "Flame of Hope's" final destination was Cotanchobee Park in downtown Tampa.

According to specialolympics.org, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase awareness of Special Olympics. The Torch Run was quickly adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. It is now recognized as the founding law enforcement organization of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

"The Security Forces members of MacDill have been participating in the Law Enforcement Run for the past eight years," said Senior Airman James Leteff, this year's MacDill POC for the Torch Run.

Members of the 6 SFS purchased $10 T-shirts for the run with all proceeds going to Special Olympics programs.

Specialolympics.org also states that last year more than 85,000 law enforcement officers carried the Flame of Hope across 35 nations. It is the largest "grass-roots" fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, raising $34 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world.

Participants of this year's run included many local law enforcement partners of the 6 SFS. Among the participants were: Florida Fish and Wildlife, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Tampa Police Department and Pinellas County Police Department to name a few.

"We work hand-in-hand with these outside agencies on a daily basis," said Airman Leteff. "This was a great opportunity for us [Tampa Bay law enforcement] to get together for a great cause."