Lori Casper, recently retired Deputy of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, has been tabbed as the next Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin (LETR) Council State Director.
“I am honored to carry the next torch for this incredible council of law enforcement, first responders, and community members,” Casper said. “As the mother of a Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete, I have seen just how important the work of LETR is in our own communities. We are in partnership with Special Olympics, and as a team we can help these wonderful athletes succeed on and off the playing field.”
Casper will take over for Bryan Wangnoss, who served as State Director since 2021.
“We want to thank Mr. Wangnoss for his volunteerism with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin,” Acting Police Chief at UW-Oshkosh Police Department and LETR Assistant Director Chris Tarmann said. “Bryan was instrumental in maintaining the strong bond between LETR and Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes through numerous fundraising and awareness events across the state.”
“Special Olympics Wisconsin is so appreciative of Bryan’s service as State Director, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run group as a whole,” Special Olympics Wisconsin President & CEO Chad Hershner said. “We know LETR is in great hands with Lori at the helm and we look forward to cultivating this strong partnership going forward.”
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Wisconsin is to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics movement, reaffirming the belief that with hope and dedication, one can see achievement and self-worth realized by any individual.
Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the “Flame of Hope” into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions. They also carry it into Special Olympics State, National, Regional, and World Games. There are over 97,000 law enforcement members that carry the “Flame of Hope” annually, symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.
The LETR partnership has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms. Since the beginning, LETR has raised over $600 million for Special Olympics programs.
Learn more about LETR for Special Olympics Wisconsin, reach out to Special Olympics Wisconsin LETR Manager Greg Leck, or submit an interest form to join the LETR movement.
