Special Olympics Wisconsin
Hundreds of law enforcement officers hit the streets for Special Olympics Wisconsin
For the 24th 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 9th and 10th. As Guardians of the Flame®, these officers transported the torch from all corners of Wisconsin to light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies of the State Summer Games in Stevens Point.
Braving the heat and humidity, 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 third time in four years, inclement weather forced organizers to cancel the Opening Ceremonies. Upon arriving in Stevens Point, officers were able to participate in the parade through downtown, enjoy refreshments at a poolside party at the host hotel, Ramada Stevens Point, and later joined athletes and Green Bay Packer A.J. Hawk at a dance held at Quandt Gym.
The evening continued with the Law Enforcement Celebration Party, where law enforcement and Special Olympics supporters could enjoy a slideshow of 2009-2010 LETR event photos and take their chances on the annual raffle.
In addition to remarks by Julie Buedding, Special Olympics Wisconsin Director of Development, Law Enforcement Torch Run, LETR State Director, Deputy Ray Merlin, Kenosha County Sheriff's Department and Special Olympics athlete and state committee member Martha Hill, there was a Fallen Heroes Tribute to recognize and honor members of the law enforcement community who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our communities.
The program also included the annual presentation of the Wisconsin LETR Dale Brunner Hall of Fame Awards, presented by Dale Brunner, Washington County Sheriff's Office Deputy and past Torch Run Director, to Deputy Gene Rousseau, Retired, Brown County Sheriff's Office and Detective Jennifer LeBelle, Winnebago County Sheriff's Office. Major Michael Teem, Chairman of the International Torch Run Executive Council, was also inducted as an honorary member in honor of his retirement after 28 years of service to the Raleigh, North Carolina 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 the raffle and live auction, which raised a combined all-time record of $4,690!
The LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle in the world for Special Olympics. Law enforcement officers from the 50 United States, 11 Canadian provinces and territories and 43 countries carry the Flame of Hope™ in honor of Special Olympics athletes.
Thank you to Kwik Trip, Wisconsin's LETR Partner, the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, Wisconsin's LETR Founding Partner and to all of the LETR participants and state committee members who helped make this event such a success.
Deputy Gene Rousseau, Retired, Brown County Sheriff's Office, Martha Hill, Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete and Dale Brunner, Washington County Sheriff's Office Deputy and past Torch Run Director
Detective Jennifer LeBelle, Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, Martha Hill, Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete and Dale Brunner, Washington County Sheriff's Office Deputy and past Torch Run Director
