The Public Safety Division participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics South Carolina 2017, and in a little less than 3 weeks exceeded our goal of $500.00, raising $540.00! We participated by selling t-shirts and hats as a fundraiser. By joining with our sister law enforcement agencies, we not only assisted them with raising funds for Special Olympics athletes but also helped move the organization closer to its goal of having 100 agencies participate in the event.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run was established in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas, as a way for local law enforcement and the community to support Special Olympics through fundraising and awareness. This event is the brainchild of police officer Richard LaMunyon. After three years of successful torch runs in Kansas, he presented his ideas to the International Association of Chiefs of Police. With their support and leadership and the involvement of all areas of the law enforcement community, the Torch Run is now active in 46 countries around the world.

Our participation in this fundraiser has granted us a coveted place on the back 2018 Special Olympics South Carolina T-shirt as a sponsor/contributor. All funds we raised will support South Carolina athletics only.

By Chena D. Melvin, BHDD Office of Mental Health Division of Public Safety