garfield county sheriff torch run

Torch run-relay for Special Olympics

Law offers tax relief to senior citizen property owners

PRESS RELEASE
April 21, 2014

garfield county sheriff emblem IMPORTANT: Please direct any media requests to the contact below. Do not contact the Garfield County Emergency Communications Center or Patrol staff for media requests.

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – This year marks the 30th anniversary of the event. The first Torch Run was in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas and was initiated by Police Chief Richard LaMunyon to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. That initial effort raised approximately $800.00.

Three years later, in 1984 the International Association of Chiefs of Police endorsed Special Olympics as its official Charity through the Torch Run Program. The rest is history.

Today the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is held in all 50 states and more than 35 countries world-wide. It is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics. In 2013 this effort raised over $46,000,000.00.

On Saturday May 3rd beginning at 6:00 AM, Police Officers from Carbondale, Glenwood, Silt and Rifle along with Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office will relay an actual Torch from the Carbondale Police Department through five of the six towns in Garfield County. The Torch will travel 44 miles in eight hours and come to rest at the Sheriff’s Annex in Rifle. Special Olympians and the general public are invited to run or walk the last mile from The West Campus of CMC on Airport Road to the Annex. This should happen between 1:30 and 2:00 PM if all goes according to plans.

Other supporting agencies include Colorado State Patrol, the All Hazards Response Team, the New Castle Police Department, the Parachute Police Department and Trident. There will also be assistance from CDOT, Garfield County Road and Bridge, Dispatch and many others.

This “kick off to summer” Event crosses multiple jurisdictions and is intended to bring the communities of Garfield County closer together as well as raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. The relay will conclude with music, fun and fellowship at the Annex. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served to the participants and commemorative tee shirts will be made available.

Look for full details at garcosheriff.com or garfield-county.com as the event gets closer.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

The mission of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is to provide solutions for the people by utilizing and employing strong morals, good character, untarnished integrity, technical knowledge and fiscal responsibility through professional, ethical and equitable conduct.