Newtown Police Department members and Garner Correctional Institution staff participated on June 6 in the Special Olympics of Connecticut Torch Run to show their support for the Special Olympics, which were held that weekend in New Haven and Hamden. 

Members of Bethel Police Department handed the Special Olympics Flame of Hope (torch) to members of Newtown PD and employees of Garner CI in the area of Dodgingtown Fire Company’s firehouse last Friday morning. Newtown runners then carried the torch through the center of town, stopping at Blue Colony Diner.

There, the torch was handed off to Connecticut State Police Troop A, who continued moving the torch toward its final destination.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) is the single largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics. Since its inception, the International Torch Run Program has raised more than $414 million (US) for Special Olympics worldwide, according to SOCT. More than 142,000 volunteers from 113 LETR programs across 46 countries every year carry the Flame of Hope, raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics.