On Saturday, the Sanilac County Sheriff’s office will be hosting the 3rd Law Enforcement Torch Run. The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement. It is a 1-mile community run beginning at the Sandusky High School and ending at the Sheriff’s Office. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created it. He thought the Torch Run would help law enforcement be active in the community while supporting Special Olympics Kansas.
In 1983, Chief LaMunyon presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The association decided to endorse Torch Run, and law enforcement agencies like the Sanilac County Sheriff’s office eventually became involved. With the national association’s support, the Torch Run became the largest public awareness and fundraising group for Special Olympics. Sanilac County Undersheriff Bradley Roff said people are welcome to sign up at 9 a.m. before the race begins at 10. He also said that if individuals are not planning to run or walk, they are welcome to come and cheer on finishers at the Sheriff’s office.
