Feature Story & Photos By: Larry H. Oskin
The Clermont Police Department hosted its annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida on Thursday, April 21, starting at the Special Olympics Florida Headquarters located at 1915 Don Wickham Drive in Clermont. The Special Olympics Torch Run is founded on the special bond of respect and appreciation that exists between the Special Olympic Athletes and Law Enforcement Officers.
The symbolic torch was brought in from overseas and passed from each Law Enforcement agency within the state of Florida. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a noteworthy event that makes a positive impact on the South Lake community. This event was a great day for community camaraderie, exercise and fun while raising much-needed fun for the Florida Special Olympics.
After registration, everyone at the event was invited to make a donation by purchasing a Special Olympics Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run shirt and hat. The event kicked off with speeches from Lieutenant Nick Bloom, Chaplain Mike Saxe, Clermont City Manager Brian Bulthuis, Director of Law Enforcement Torch Run Ken Roop, Director of Florida Special Olympics Sherry Wheelock, Special Olympics athlete Luis Martinez, Clermont Mayor Tim Murry and Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway.
Sergeant Chris Martin of the Clermont Police Community Relations Team and Torch Run organizer noted, “We were very happy to have about 250 race participants this year. The agencies in attendance were Clermont PD, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Dora PD, Leesburg PD, Eustis PD, Groveland PD, Mascotte PD, Astatula PD, Oakland PD, Lake Correctional Institute, Lake County State Attorney’s Office. Our Torch run sponsors were Chick-fil-A and Darby Shields from Haven Property Group. The Clermont Police Department will continue to host our Tip-A-Cop events at local restaurants and spearhead the Law Enforcement Torch Run with the Special Olympics Headquarters. Our goal is to have each agency in Lake County represented at the torch run.”
Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway, shares “The primary objective of this annual walk and run is to promote awareness and raise funds for Special Olympics and persons with special needs, I would like to thank our officers and all of the agencies in attendance for their continued dedication and support of the Special Olympics. It’s only 2.6 miles, so our participants could walk, run, crawl or bike. With everyone’s support we have been able to raise several thousands of dollars for these incredible athletes. We look forward to our next Torch Run and the continued growth of this event!”
The award-winning Clermont Police Department is accredited by the Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation — CFA. Clermont is an award-winning city named one of the Top 20 Cities in America and the Best Central Florida City to Live In!
For More Information on Torch Run for Special Olympics, visit https://www.clermontfl.gov/departments/police-department/.
