Over the past three years, Officer Tanisha Kerner with the Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility has continually been involved with Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI). After being introduced to the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) by coworker Steve Janus, Officer Kerner said, “I couldn’t stop myself from being involved. I have met tons of people, athletes and made lots of new friends.”

In his inaugural year as Superintendent of the Wisconsin State Patrol, Stephen Fitzgerald has shown strong support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Wisconsin. His involvement with the movement began shortly after being appointed Superintendent, when he was invited to be a judge at the Madison Polar Plunge®.

Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) athlete Martha Hill of Sheboygan has been involved with the organization for 17 years and currently serves as the athlete representative on the state committee for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR). She began competing in swimming but did not stop there. She continued in bocce ball, basketball, softball, tee ball, and golf, all while developing as a leader throughout Wisconsin and eventually the world.

For about six years, Sergeant Jason Burt of the UW Whitewater Police Department has dedicated his time and efforts to the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics Wisconsin. At first, Sgt. Burt admits, his involvement stemmed from the need for an officer representative from his department for the local Final Leg LETR but after interacting with athletes, staff and other law enforcement officers, he realized its rewards and strived to become more involved.

The month of July is a very special month for Sergeant Mark T. Horstmann of the Verona Police Department. Sergeant Horstmann has an impressive resume with 17 years of dedication to Special Olympics Wisconsin through the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR). He has been involved with the Polar Plunge, Final Leg, and numerous other activities and has attended two International LETR Conferences in 2007 and 2008.

Officer Kathy Schult's involvement with the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics Wisconsin began almost 25 years ago by cheering on athletes and handing out awards for various competitions. It has since grown into a desire to do whatever Special Olympics needs to make sure events run smoothly and everyone has a great time. Giving athletes their awards is still something she loves to do. "It's so exciting to see the athletes get their awards and to see that all their hard work has paid off," says Schult.

Staff Sergeant Paul Wolfe was introduced to Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) in 2007, after he returned from serving in Afghanistan as a member of the Wisconsin National Guard. He accepted a position on the administrative staff of the Wisconsin State Patrol in Madison and also signed on as the agency's statewide outreach coordinator for SOWI. Wolfe enjoys working with Special Olympics because supporting events like the Law Enforcement Torch Run® and the World's Largest Truck Convoy® has become a tradition for members of law enforcement, and more importantly, they promote camaraderie, health, and teamwork for Special Olympics participants.

Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run® has a special place in the heart of Officer Niki Nelson. Nelson has been volunteering with Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) since 1997, but has a long history of being involved with those with special needs. Her uncle was born with severe disabilities and unfortunately grew up in an era where physical and mental disabilities were not understood. His experiences influenced her family to become involved with those who have needs like his. Officer Nelson's mother became a special education teacher and Nelson grew up volunteering in her classroom.

Probation and Parole Agent Jennifer Merlin with the Department of Corrections was hooked after her first experience with Special Olympics Wisconsin in 1997. The passion of the athletes at the State Summer Games in Stevens Point drew Agent Merlin to become involved with Special Olympics. To her, Special Olympics is "a great opportunity that gives individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to show off their abilities. I wanted to be able to continue helping to provide opportunities for these great athletes. They are amazing individuals! How do you not get a big smile on your face whenever you think of Special Olympics athletes?"

It all started 14 years ago, when Captain David Gerber of the Walworth County Sheriff's Office had his first taste of Special Olympics. Coincidently, it was his wife, a police dispatcher with the New Berlin Police Department, who introduced him to the organization. After his first visit to the games in 1997, he was hooked. "I have always said that I wish I could bottle the attitudes of the athletes and all those who volunteer with Special Olympics and have each one of my co-workers take a little bit."