EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • ABOVE & BEYOND
ABOVE & BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY
LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN (LETR)
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional, and World Games. The LETR was started in 1981 by Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon. His idea was to involve local law enforcement personnel in the community, creating a bond between police and the citizens. Chief LaMunyon chose the Special Olympics as his cause. The Torch Run was quickly adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The IACP is now recognized as the founding law enforcement organization for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. In 2019, the El Paso Police Department participated in several fundraisers that benefited the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Special Olympics. The Polar Plunge was held at the Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel and Water Park where numerous officers, families, and friends took a frigid ride down a waterslide into the ice cold pool or stood along poolside and were doused in large buckets of ice water in the Ice Bucket Challenge. Police officers and LETR participants served dinner to local Texas Roadhouse diners for the “Tip A Cop” fundraiser where all tips were donated. Cavender’s, in conjunction with organizers like El Paso Electric, the Chihuahuas baseball team, and UTEP cheerleaders, helped put together a fashion show with music and entertainment where 100% of the proceeds supported the athletes. Law enforcement officers got together for the 1st Annual Rib Eating Contest at The State Line benefiting the LETR. Teams competed against each other in the Fire Truck Pull, where the El Paso Police Department’s team took 1st Place for Most Monies Raised. Officers also participated in other fundraisers like Coffee with a Cop, Cops on Top at Krispy Kreme Donuts, and Ice Skating at the Park. This year, one hundred law enforcement officers from around the world supported the 2019 Special Olympics by carrying
2nd Annual Officer David Ortiz Memorial Bike Ride
Special Olympics Opening Ceremony
El Paso Cops Helping Kids Shop
Law Enforcement Torch Runners Send Off
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