Why would law enforcement officers wait tables?  Why would we plunge into ice-cold water?  What about camping on a billboard or rooftop for 60 hours or more?  How about carrying a torch for countless miles across cities, counties, countries, and the world?  What started in Kansas, now reaches across the United States, and even worldwide, and has given law enforcement officers the privilege and benefit of working directly with Special Olympics.  This involvement through fundraising and helping with athletic events is all by means of a program called the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

 In 1981, Wichita, KS Police Chief Richard LaMunyon had a group of officers that were going to run a torch from city hall to South High in Wichita to raise awareness for the summer Special Olympic Games.  It was Chief LaMunyon who thought this was an opportunity to not only raise awareness, but also raise funds by soliciting corporate donors.  After three successful runs in Kansas, Chief LaMunyon presented this program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).   Today, the Torch Run is found in over 35 countries including Canada, Europe, South America, the Caribbean and the Pacific Rim. 

As Torch Runners and volunteers for Special Olympics, we have the opportunity to make a difference and to change lives.  Not just the lives of the athletes, but our own lives as well.  There is not an officer I know of that has not benefited from their involvement with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.  Year after year the athletes have applauded these officers from around the State for bringing the torch to the summer games, for raising money and awareness for Special Olympics and we appreciate that.

Nothing makes me prouder than working with, raising funds, and promoting the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Kansas.  I would encourage you to invite your family, co-workers, friends, and business associates to share in your enjoyment, excitement, and dedication to this worthy cause.  Participating in the Torch Run had made a difference in my life and if you give it the chance , it will make one in yours.

In representing the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run, I am proud to say that Kansas was “First to Carry the Torch”, and your involvement keeps the torch lit and held proud.  We have made tremendous strides the first 25 years, and we should all hold our heads high, however the “run” has just begun, as we are still stretching and warming up.  Our drive is as strong as ever and the athletes encourage us each step of the way.  The Torch Run has benefited all of us, and we will continue to reap the benefits by staying involved, setting higher goals, and introducing new officers to a passion we call the Torch Run.  May 2007 be the best fundraising year ever, as we continue to “raise the bar” in dollars and awareness for Special Olympics Kansas. 

Lt. Mark Malick
Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run State Director
Saline County Sheriff’s Office