Hundreds of Law Enforcement Officers Hit the Streets for Special Olympics Wisconsin
Donald Driver makes suprise apperance
For the 22nd year, hundreds of law enforcement officers from around the state gathered to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics Wisconsin on June 4-5. As “Guardians of the Flame,” these officers transported the torch from all corners of Wisconsin to unite at the State Summer Games in Stevens Point.
Braving the heat, humidity and rain, participants in the Final Leg walked, biked, roller bladed, rode motorcycles and drove support vehicles to escort the torch to Stevens Point. Sadly, for the second year in a row, severe weather forced organizers to cancel the Opening Ceremonies, however, law enforcement officers continued to Stevens Point in support of Special Olympics.
Due to the Opening Ceremony being cancelled, hundreds gathered at the Ramada, LETR host hotel, for a poolside party, where Green Bay Packer Donald Driver made a surprise visit and greeted law enforcement officers and a few Special Olympics athletes who were in attendance. He also threw Kelly Kloepping, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, who happens to be a Chicago Bears fan, into the pool!
The evening continued with the Law Enforcement Celebration Party presented by the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association. The program began with Torch Runners bringing in the “Flame of Hope” shouting cadence followed by the dedication of a U.S. flag, purchased through gifts received in memory of FBI Supervisory Special Agent Greg Rahoi of the Hostage Rescue Team. Rahoi was a proud Law Enforcement Torch Runner in Wisconsin and was formerly employed at the Town of Brookfield Fire Department and Madison Police Department. The flag was dedicated to honor Greg and all of Wisconsin’s Fallen Heroes who will always be with us in spirit as our officers carry the “Flame of Hope” throughout our communities. The dedication included Amazing Grace, performed by pagpipe musicians Mark Horstmann and Dan Frei of the Bravest and Finest Memorial Pipe Band and a Fallen Heroes Tribute prepared by Special Olympics Wisconsin.
In addition to remarks by Special Olympics Wisconsin President, Dennis Alldridge, LETR State Director, Deputy Ray Merlin, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, Special Olympics athlete and state committee member Merle Cooney, and Sgt. R.J. Lurquin, President of the Wisconsin Sheriffs & Deputy Sheriffs Association, there was a slideshow featuring photos from the day’s events.
The program also included the annual presentation of the Wisconsin LETR Dale Brunner Hall of Fame Awards, presented by Lt. David Gerber, Walworth County Sheriff’s Department and LETR State Deputy Director, to Lieutenant Dan Brauer of the Glendale Police Department and Tammy Kubisiak of Fox Valley Technical College and Grand Rapids Police Department. This award was created to recognize outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to the statewide success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin. The evening ended with music provided by AJay’s DJ Service and with the annual raffle, raising more than $4,100. After the party, attendees were invited to a hospitality room hosted by the Wisconsin Professional Police Association.
On Friday, the rain cleared out and competition began for the nearly 1,600 athletes who attended. LETR supporters volunteered at the softball throw and Turbo Jav venues and awards, displayed police vehicles and handed out souvenirs to athletes.
Thank you to all of the LETR participants and state committee members who helped make this event such a success. Also, a special thanks goes out to the Wisconsin Professional Police Association as the Founding Organization of the LETR.
