Winter/Spring 2014

The Guardian The Newsletter of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® Executive Council

POLAR PLUNGE® TheThe GuardianGuardian Torch RunnerProfile#2 St. Patrick’sDayPolarPlunge,Naas, Ireland Iceland’s FirstEverLawEnforcement TorchRun® Special OlympicsNewYork First EverAthleteMemberInductedtoStatewideLETRfor Torch RunSeizestheFreezeinVirginia Oklahoma PolarPlunge2014 Minnesota Plunge Motorola SolutionsFoundationSupportsLETR Polar PlungeforaCause Fitting In 2014 InternationalLETRConference Torch RunnerProfile Chairman’s Corner Front OlympicsCover by: Special Photo Oklahoma provided —

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TheThe GuardianGuardian

I of proud who am. isthe pride your achievement.” This andreward of is Mypassion to life. everyone succeed wanting and be proud they Iof who amare. child Every deserves life. right anandcompete opportunity to basic in succeed and “ goals, then takeagoals, then momentto realizea Torch as youRunner, are DREAM!LIVING THE you If movement. believe to succeed,and thedreams in accomplishthe dream our to the lessons Remember thedreams and of and achievementsour athletes as our a the in pride youfact that changed have of the livesmany. the workin everyRelish your you communities do and the day for Torch Run. Take to tonot forget take a cherish thosemoment thejourneyalong we and meet theway. life those better a for intellectual with disabilities and even goals, dofocus on greater in unparalleled are the youBut keepas Specialhistory Olympics. of youron sightsset accomplishmentsThe the we in name made of have the LawRunTorch Enforcement thatkeep grounded athletes; all cause. whichus to should our to passion fulfill our mission as Runners,Torch it iseasy to the lessonsofforgetour thepaced In chaosour personal fast of lives,and professional withcoupled our our goals. accomplish dreams nodifferent thosetheir are then of thedreamothers, to succeed, thedream to of the members the Lawlearn, Torch Run. and are Enforcement remindedthat We and endless their inclusion admiration whothose thealongfor ofthem, fight fights side Olympics. Special frommore theathleteslearn of their relentless We from pursuit of Each day, ofthose us to theLawcommitted learn Run®, Enforcement Torch and more Every child deserves a voice deserves child voice to a EveryEvery be deserves child heard. secondina chance

Shaun SOShaun Seller, Adelaide, PacificAthlete, Australia,Asia Games 2013 Mike Peretti,Mike LETR Executive Council

CHAIRMAN’SCORNER

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TheThe GuardianGuardian Stevenson was special a recognized at volunteer.” onrun a bestowed Delaware torch award,whichthis is the highest honor Olympics.“HeSpecial is well ofDelawaredirector Law for Enforcement Olympics,”saidJohn Miller,Special state Run Delaware Law Enforcement Torch for involved committedheroes to the and Stevenson“Jason typifiesthe many unsung Run. theand Torch to Specialcontributions Olympics Delaware officer’sDelaware outstanding police annually awarded honor recognize to a Runner theYear, of Delawarean Torch Stevenson has been named the 2014 He’llopportunitythat get year. this Games. OlympicsDelawareSpecial Summer at the Openingcauldron of the Ceremony doneverthe islight had privilegethe to theworld,across the one thing he has Run®Enforcement here locallyTorch and hasAnd although Stevenson runthe in Law all sizesthan more decade. a for atpresented hundredsevents ofmedals of coached threehas yearsHe andhasfor part of as the Over event. the Edge stories rappel 17 yearstraight the for fourth May, events. severalhe’ll In fundraising organize, and participatedhelped in, Delaware State The Police sergeant has Olympics. Delaware LawSpecial Enforcement for aseverything of member possible a Stevenson hasJason just done about the2014 Games. Summer of Hope into theof Flame Opening Ceremony carryinghave thedistinct privilege of the police chiefs 8gathering on April of will and

SergeantJason Stevenson named Torch Runner of the Year

By Jon Buzby, Special By Buzby,Special Olympics Jon Delaware -

deserving of

Ann Grunert)Ann cauldronat the SummerGames Opening Ceremony. (photo by OutstandingAthlete, who along with Stevenson, will light the Runnerthe of Year.Alsopictured is ElizabethNolan, 2014 SODE PoliceSgt. Jason Stevensononbeing named Delaware Torch DoverPolice Department on April honor to 8 Delaware State AttorneyGeneral Beau Bidenattended speciala ceremonyat the and so when asked,and he expanded his Stevenson But do wanted even to more, and coordinator agency representative. Run of aspects the Torch asleg a involvedeventually thelogistical in became Games.theHe Summer Ceremony of a toplace as prelude theOpening theFlamejourneytakes of Hope that Run, 2002 an Torch annual 160 police officerparticipating the rookie in wasStevenson’s first involvement as a learning recognition. of after the it has hadpositive effect he on me,” said and athletes their additionfamiliesin to the organization positive has a on the effect Olympics, I’vehow learned this my“Through experience with Special

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TheThe GuardianGuardian Ceremony at PanathinaikoCeremony Stadium. at Greece routethrough en to theOpening world, running Hope the of Flame the and officers athletes from all corners of He spent Greece. three weeks with Summer in Games Olympics World Final Leg Run Torch Special for the in runner a theLawas Enforcement 2011,Stevenson joined In groupan elite spiritofshared.competition,” true he patience, me teach persistence and the spend to timewith“I get athletes who than more much he’s been able to teach. whereadmits learned Stevenson he’s Andpowerlifting role coach. that it’sin timelevel, grassroots this a as get to involvedresident eventhe more at experience promptedThat theDagsboro is,” movement Stevenson recalled. important the Special Olympics I justcompetition, discovered how presenting “After a medals bowling at presenting theathletes. awardsto role a volunteer at local bowling event, (Continued frompage open the Games,itwillopen dream a fulfill the lightthe to cauldron Athlete) and officially NolanElizabeth (2014 Outstanding joins year’sthen Ceremony and Opening Stevenson torchinto thisWhen runs the he added. lifetime,” a Greece was throughout experience the of Flame Hope “Running withof the opportunity.” accomplish when givento an watch justhowand they much were able “It wascommitment see their inspiring to Special Olympics memorable experience. Stevensongranted,” shared of most his thingsI takenon that had often for gave challenges a me new perspective their overcome grow and and fears weeksfull three while watching them live to “Getting with athletes these for

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(Photo provided by Ann Grunert) Ann by provided (Photo this year’s Summer year’sthis Games.” Summer joygreat in everyone a part to who has experience hopethis it and that brings Openingthe Ceremony. ofdelivering part Flame Hope of the to thestatewideconclude be a journeyand “It willThursday. to a honor great be throughseveral miles Sussex on County whoStevenson, will carry torch the also ofSpecial Olympics,”said athletes and how represents itto the much means whatthe awareHope “I’m of of Flame ago. decade involvement of beginning his more than a torchrunner since had longtime the has

I lookI to forward

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TheThe GuardianGuardian ticket items include, ticket historical law will sale.music ofthe hot Some be for alligatorEverything to heads zydeco from 11 will auction September on Thursday, start Conference in the best Auction history! The start sure saving to Be your money now for Auction Best History in stores, inrestaurants, and bars town. a include directingmap thebest you to expire on September19coupons will and French and Quarter hotspots. The atfeaturing New discounts all the Orleans without leave the to this hotel book, registration YouLouisiana table. won’t want will books the coupon on sale at be conference DuringNew the Orleans &Drink Dine Zydeco Cajun music. and photoa booth,alland while enjoying withall night, Gras Mardi flambeaus floats, willtheMill.we good roll!” times “Let Next to RiversidethehistoricHilton Sugar hotel traditional JazzOrleans the from Band, second line the parade,led by New a Join and drinks music, us more! much in New cuisine,culture,feature Orleans you night willa want towill miss. not It Night! is ofNew a Host Taste This Orleans the evening 9 of Tuesday,September aInstead hospitalityof we night, will start OrleansA ofNew Taste Big Easy!the camera to captureand of every moment conference! Bring yourmoney appetite, You won’t wantfashion. to miss this Conference in(LETR) New true Orleans LawInternational Run® Torch Enforcement isproud Louisiana to hostthe annual engraved with the new LETR logo. engraved new LETR with the bid item, on the bigto a ticket Glock firearm pots. Come crawfish earlyseasonings and voodoo dolls,artists, New Orleans jewelrykeepsakes, artwork and by local enforcement memorabilia, LETR

in the latein afternoonthe at hotel. LaissezLes Bon Temps Rouler (Let theGood Times Roll) at the 2014 InternationalLawEnforcement Torch Run® Conference

By Tiffany Harvey

- Gautier, Special Olympics Louisiana Gautier,

with Sportsman’s ParadiseSportsman’s Cathedral. Saint Louis Monde Du the and Café and one only locations suchfamous Square, Jackson as dream, passingtourist’s world along Quarter, French the is route virtuala theriver attractions, the from to front the photos snap of bestNew Orleans route as camera this see and youallows to months.family about for Don’t your forget you willand telling surely your friends be is the end of the Conference! runa This 12Friday, 7:00am September at before register sure Runto Make the Torch on for Run Torch filled trip to trip theBigfilled Easy! Save Septemberdates the 9 you conference will a will be never forget! style sureactivities!Louisiana are this We exciting,these one 9 you canSeptember register so all of for booth whenRegistration you arrive on stop to Louisiana Remember by the athletes with CajunLouisiana twist. a alongside Specialsports Olympics You Sports. Unified will playvariety a of Sportsman’s Paradise,playing without leave Louisiana, knownDon’t also as

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DevelopmentDirector KamiCOURTESY Delameter. PHOTO Amandaacceptsawardfromleft, Geno, AreaMetro an Kansas City Regional TheThe GuardianGuardian differences and and differences highlighting the the considered ignoring girlposter the for whobe person there’sone could If differences.than athletes Partners our Unified our and similaritiesare there more many between take toolong,doesn’t however, see to someone on focuses the differences.It wouldbe difficult,butonlyprogram if seem growing might like a It such ability.age and 21 Olympicin training teams sports competitionfor and withoutIDs individuals on (partners) (SOMO and disabilities athletes) with individuals pairs that intellectual isan Sports inclusiveUnified program insteaddifferences oftheir similarities. the but onlyfocus is if peoples’ on Missouri Special in Olympics program Partnersgrowing (UP) Unified the lies potentialTherein a difficulty in commonalities.any shared think especiallypeople if theyhave don’t sometimesbe troublesome,Fitting can in - type sports divisionedby Fitting In

By Brandon Schatsiek, Special By Schatsiek,Olympics Missouri Special Brandon —

Law Enforcementas a Unified Partner

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her and fellow love her. athletes a Special considered Olympics athlete 29,is one them.As Geno, UP,of she’s a them.” of one she jokesif was and laughs with as them young great a just lady;butshe’s dignified, theguysgirlsto team.She’s of and our has become big“She a role a model sister, Special PopulationRec Servicesteam. ofthe Jackson and Webb County Parks is coach awesome,”“Amanda said Bea Geno. Amanda Summit and Lee’s UP Officer Police it’s betweensimilarities athletes and UPs, caring and there you caringfor when you need and so just understanding,“She’s loveable, authenticity. Geno,to mainlyof her because bowling. has already liking a Selken taken little a more than for a year softball and in and Geno 23, Selken, partnershave been thetime.” all of “SheBrittany Selken. be aroundwantsto lot a of said“She’s SOMO fun,” Athlete

ball return or do return somethingball or when loud at trip me I over the sometimesthey and out laugh laughI cry“Sometimes until I UP,” a Geno enjoy as said. what to decide “It’s hard I most it. is whatyou UP a being of make said theGeno experience of was going through.” to and understandtalk whatI toaway, wasme for she there “When mysaid. mom passed to,” somebody Selken talk to they are to see me and to seethey me are are I enjoy goofy. also how excited

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TheThe GuardianGuardian day volunteer. general event (GMT) Team and member committee Gamesmember, Management all aspects in said.“She SOMO has embraced Delameter partnership our with law enforcement,” is wonderfula “Amanda representation of what embodiment is LETR for all about. said isthe director SOMO, Geno for Delameter, regional developmentKami Plunge®.” the in both planning set and Run coordinate a Torch also and assists … Partner® she hasUnified also helped pass out it’s to participatemedals to as or a events,” more said. “Whether Wiesemann isthat goes LETR involvedshe in to many separates “What her officersfrom other LETR. hasGeno been pushing do more with to the officer Mark saidpolice that Wiesemann involved Summit with Fellow SOMO. Lee’s way goneof out her has more become to Staying past the busy in years,few Geno said. waslike it “It’s almost to be.” she meant eyes.Geno’s in the Run,Torch whichcausehelped further joined and officer theLaw Enforcement a became FollowingGeno police college, countrycollege cross team. practice withwheelchairteam slalom her went to helpShe on Olympics a Special withrelationship Olympics. Special on its sororityalready based college 2002 Olympics in her after selecting became involvedGeno first with Special like was it ‘Almost to meant be’ ofSOMO.”myoutside life and team.I partners themmake a part of to proud introduce claim “I’m my and howor I’ve been. howalways wasweekend ask quick to my (Continued frompage

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torch runner, Plunge torch Plunge runner,

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- invaluable. is what SOMO so Geno of makes in thebehindimmersed said this Coach to push become Webb the athletes.” raisingfor funds involved by awareness creating and is just years, it and 10 way another be to Summit byLee’s run a theofficer last for is Area Plunge Metro the best. has beenIt Plunge committee the the because KC shedon’tand like,” said.“I decided to join them;I important to knowwhatthey like I because knowathletes; the know I what’s toseveral“I wanted serve on GMTs events. and Metroin theKC eventsArea around they in sure heard the planning are of be thevoiceofcan the athletes and make games shemanagement teams because she wanted said Geno serveto on the volunteeringwith also.” law (another involvedofficer) enforcement gotten her mom“She’s boyfriend and

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TheThe GuardianGuardian family, friends family,friends and co can’t toI Missouri, return wait tell to all of my thisAnd journey on when I them. then with around “Ican’twait go them,” I’m she said. to to mebe a teach better every person minute smile athletes“The a put on my and face regardless of Missouri,the sport. Team badly she that wouldhave any spoton taken she wantsto New said Geno go to Jersey so to therespectful athlete herself.” and taking between turns bowling. veryShe’s athletewas an their tutoring in schoolworkin one bowling“I noticed she day at practice theother of said.bowlers,” Webb and getswellteam how so she along with all to great have volunteerbe a the officer on she’s “The thatanI fact it’d thought officer, team? why So, coach pick asUnified did Geno Partner a Missouri the bowling Webb for Team these willopportunities athletes Olympics.” Special to havethanks all nothingknowthe expect I but best lot throughof a hard work. towanted experience I the wantthe and there know them I’m for absolute best them. on And thesame for hand, they IwasI “After nominated by join wanted Coach the to team because theathletes Webb, an whenand encouraging they are having game.” voice bad a toif they proud be their“I’m it, cry voice when need theirto things shoulder tough on get as go, learning I “I’m and I’m prettyas Geno I’mexcited just as the sure athletes,” said. it’ssafe Missourito a and about sayexcited the opportunity. little she’s willtime the This be willfirst Geno at national levelSpecial Olympics compete a for Jersey. alongside fellow at the June athlete Tiffany USA 2014 Games, 14 Wright Military qualifiedthe Mexico,She Academyin Mo. will bowling for and compete team June Genoin USAIn 2013, tookpart SOMO’s the Games Camp MissouriSelection at AMagic MO little part of “It’s a her.” to say,hesitate ‘It’s a part of my life.’” surrounds our “She herself her whyin said. “Iasked program,” she didn’teven and Webb (Continued frompage volunteering.” toexperience, hoping anin interest spark

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TheThe GuardianGuardian do justwith that do the Plunges." moneyawareness and Special we Olympics, for thinkopportunityand we great a have to 2015,and we of Winter hope to list.more toadd that here. showed towardsus." Jansmabelieves the Polar will that Plunge program grow only from were are Plunges. galvanizedappreciative theincredible by the of generosity We success. the Manager of Cody Ontario Law Run Jansma, Enforcement Torch was with thrilled the wesuccess Saturday!" saw on the community's Athletes. thiswould event not involvement, been have the huge Without NorthBay's wonderful display of supporttheir spiritand Olympics Special community of received has group theentire city.from city'spulling together, Polar the Plunge he but isoverwhelmedfirst the with support the overhad Plungers." 150 OlympicsOntario Games Special 2015 said. Manager Winter Games Winter nextJanuary. its Bay hosted North 1stAnnual Plunge Polar awarded being after the 2015 Provincial numbers,”whichboost she said.helped timeenergy" when the to in. eventschools,came jump “The her for local was in promoted charity!" said, Waghorn "There than were 70 Plungers theover more and raised $10,000 for successful yearsdate weather. the most to despite cold frigid Owen SoundThe Polar its Anniversary15th Dip celebrated year one its andhad of this ofthe FlameGuardians yourfor generous and ongoing support. theirdedication commitmentorganizers and tireless for importantly, and most donors, the thanklike to our event Olympics!Special incredible an target shattered our and raised to thatproud announce we have $120,000,andweraise are collectiveBay.The was goal to North Bay Sound, Thunder and Kingston, Sudbury,Owen York Region,the province in: Plunge® events Polar across Olympics sixSpecial hosted Run®Enforcement Torch for theOntarioLawMarch, courseOver ofFebruary the and Plunging fora Polar Cause!

"We "We communitieswhoalready 5 have their host wantto 1st Annual in Plunge the

Waghorn noted that the excitement thecrowdWaghorn of gavethat her boost "extra of

"What a tremendous"What a support show across theProvince.from of $180,000 for $180,000 for By: Cody Jansma, OntarioBy: Cody Jansma, Law Run Enforcement Torch

We would

POLARPLUNGE FOR ACAUSE! Shantz applauds the whoShantz applauds 50turned volunteers to out assist in

"The event was "The event tremendous success," a Merv Shantz,

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TheThe GuardianGuardian cause appreciative of are this support strong from a hascompany thatlong championedthe their opportunities employees. for LETR ExecutiveThe OlympicsInc. and Council Special Olympics Special programs, participating in events fundraising and volunteer providing is also connected Motorola and involved and severalandprovincial LETR state with award. sponsored byand presented MotorolaSolutions Foundation a thisas partgrantof Louisiana. conferences, regional the Internationaland 2014 LETR Conference Newin Orleans, used support be to regional training conferences, LETR LETR atIACPpresentations States Canada. and United responders,training programs theirand for and thegeneral families first publicthe in Solutions Motorola The Public Foundation's aim GrantsSafety to support safety education in grant $50,000 2013 the same for purposes. trainingprograms and initiativesCouncil's throughout 2014. award This initial an follows the FebruaryOn 2014, Solutions theMotorola 5, awarded Foundation a to grant $50,000 Polar BearPlunges!Polar the Minnesotaholds future for to excited see whatare the thanfunds 2013.more in We teamsMinnesota raised 77% initiative,Special Olympics Olympics teams. Through this involvementofthe Special year wasthis to push further a change the One to Plunges possible. events to temperatures these make endured volunteers freezing tobraved theelements SpecialOlympicsMany support Minnesota. law enforcement wonderful Polar Plunge® season.Despite cold a winter, record over 16,000 plungers OlympicsMinnesota theLaw and Special Run® Torch Enforcement another had

Law Enforcement Torch Run® for SpecialLaw Run® support Enforcement Torch Olympicsthe to LETRfor Executive

of law theworld.of around enforcement

MOTOROLASOLUTIONS FOUNDATION SUPPORTS LETR

All of All of the concurrent year'straining sessionsat this LETR Conference are

By Special Olympics Minnesota LETR OlympicsMinnesota By Special

The funds by FoundationThe provided funds theMotorolaSolutions will By: Mike Teem, LETR By: LETR MikeTeem, Director MinnesotaPlunge enduredrecord cold temperatures. enforcement Law Minnesotathevolunteers 2014 BearPlungesPolar for

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TheThe GuardianGuardian raised. raised. in ofoverthebrought $1,335,000 $250,000 effortsRun allplungefundraising events for raised. $10,000 than In total, Torch Virginia Beach withthe event, more enforcement team fundraising prize at Corrections tookhomeof the top law Blue with True Team theDepartment Rorher. Chief retiredTarasovic and Police Fairfax Richmond PoliceRoessler, Chief Fairfax leaders: Run Chief Police who by was threeother joined Torch SheriffChesapeake Chair, O’Sullivan, Virginia was Run Torch State 2014 chargeLeading into the theicy waters hands helping on the sidelines. Celebration the Highlander Polarat Radford Plunge in LynchburgLake the Hill CityFestival at andtheNew Plunge Polar River Valley in Hydawaychillyat Plunge RivershoreTim’s Camp FestivalDumfries, in Polar Potomac the icy at Polar Festival Plunge® Atlantic dashedothers Virginia into inthe Beach, Winter Specialseized OlympicsVirginiafreeze the some February! in splashed into the for While Olympics owes bigSpecial you”Virginia “thank to a the over 390 who Run Torch officers freezing water to raise a cool inwater raise cool freezing$240,000 to a 2014. the Polar Plungesoptions, had Oklahoma in over plungers fling 1,161 themselvesinto toss theirintoeither boss,teacher orprincipals thewater. with Even warmer drier, those offers withouthavingevent can also water.create bravefreezing teams the People to to where option, people can raise the $75 and take advantage of minimum everything the sensitive insanelymore is to the temperatures, Chickenalso there to Too Plunge cold with started What one has now12 locationsplunge state. to For those across the grown Plunge®. Polar 12For thepastinsanity. years, however, it SpecialOlympicsOklahomahas called the racingthen back out icicles. againwith newSome brand layer a of call that might maybecostume, wearing swimsuita just thinkis runningOklahomans real cold into a freezingwater of body polar vortex the The have chilled nation thebone might this to but past winter,

Now that’s COOL! –

and many more provided and many provided more

By Jennifer Lightle,By OlympicsOklahoma Special Jennifer TorchRun Seizes theFreeze in Virginia By Ellen E.F. Head, By E.F. OlympicsVirginia Special Ellen

Oklahoma PolarPlunge® 2014 –

submerging completely themselvesin and our Virginia Beach Polar Plunge with hissons. Plunge with Polar Beach Virginia our at toplunge ready getting Run, Torch Virginia’s OlympicSpecial Chair of State the 2014 Office), Sheriff’s (Chesapeake Jim Sheriff O’Sullivan

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maybe wearingmaybe a

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TheThe GuardianGuardian Run for Run Special Olympics movement.for the value of Law Enforcement Torch Olympics Special and the understands Nick the spiritof truly embodies wasstart?”.response I “when can heasked if wouldand serve, his committee. Steve him called When representative on the NY LETR asnew theathlete duties very Nick isalso his to begin excited Member.” Committee in newhis him as State role is awesomethat aboutOlympics, and Special to we able so fortunate to work are be with the considering wefriendship years. built have Nickover truly the everything embodies theNYSserve Committee Law Run on isreally Enforcement Torch State special sayto continued on level, that a personal ever "Having Athlete servefirst the to as Nick organization;which ushelp guide in anddecision endeavors future He making." experience will and Committee with passion Olympicsto Special bring our their theathleteswill"Nick and that who him, follow to are appointed serve on theLETR State important Specialto have a Olympicsathlete thestatewideNigrelli committee,on said, Olympicsathlete Special a serve on thestatewide why asked committee. is so it When Director, LETR State the Newmade motion at York’s bi Nigrelli Steven Captain A. theNewPolice, A, of and YorkTroop State theNew York Orders, Edge, OverPolarLaw Plunges® the and and much more! the Buffalogoals for Sabres. Committee Inducts Nick Zmuda as First Ever Athlete Member to the Committee Member tothe EverAthlete First as Nick Zmuda Inducts Committee Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New York NewYork Olympics for Special Run Torch Enforcement Law Statewide

By Erin McCartan, LETR New York LETR New McCartan, By Erin

Nick continually participates in in Nick participates Speciallike Olympic events continually During the week Nick attends week atPeople During Nickattends program the Run. the and Torch indedication and participation Olympics Special was theworldacross his recognized and for outOlympic theSpecial all wasof Athletes chosen Executive AthleteInternational Award. Council Nick 2012won Run® LawTorch Enforcement the spokenrecently, at has variousMost events. Nick Games.Nick Messenger is a World Global also and to competetraveling the in AnchorageAlaska to world compete, over all traveled the including to skatingbasketball, figure wellhas He as bowling. as and yearsfield, over the in has participated softball, Nick age 13, years. track At training in started and competing Special been in over 18 Olympicsfor a Nick 31 year old Zmuda, from Lackawanna, has Inc. and spends his Inc. free the in time net stopping

- annual toannual April have meeting in

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The Guardian The Guardian The

TheThe GuardianGuardian gota torch, ideology and motivation. wecouldthe start LETR in Iceland. We Icelandwas delivered the LETR torch so LETRin Iceland. theAt conference, enjoyedwereandit determined tostart a andtold us all aboutreally LETR. We sosuccessful. Theygaveus good advice andsuccessful, what also wasfrom not intheir countries,what has been countrieswhentold us they began LETR werevery towards helpful us.The other PortugalandGibraltar. All the nations Ireland,Netherlands, Cyprus, Italy, whilethe otherwere nations Northern only"new the"country of conference, TorchRun in Iceland. wasIceland the withourbest our the conditions of first ideas,weso got excitedwanted and todo conference.wereAll ofenthusiasm full and good of people withwerewho us atthe LETR.Iwe think learneda lot aand lot met bediligent toask questions and learn about downeverythingwas that said and tried to abouthowwas. thiswrote satandall We weandanxiety hadsome in our stomachs conference.Then the conference began and Adams welcomedhe us toour first byan interesting Irish Jeremy named man arrivedatthewe conference, were greeted weinto,but wereof full we confidence.As hada vague idea of conference Olympics held in Brussels. We EnforcementTorch Run Special for Andwasthen it fortime Iceland’s Law first twice. inIceland, weand didn´tneed tobe asked andKaren Special representing Olympics Gudmundurrepresenting Icelandic police Fridjonsdottir,would go tothe conference. detectiveand wifehisKaren Asta articleauthors, Gudmundur Sigurdsson 10. EuropeanLETR Conference in Brussels Icelandwas invited toparticipate atthe EnforcementTorch Run® (LETR). After weasked if couldthe into look Law SpecialDirector of Olympics in Iceland World Gamesin Athens in 2011, the the After successful Special Olympics - 13.October 2013,was it decided that

By Gudmundur SigurdssonBy and Gudmundur Karen Asta Fridjonsdottir, Iceland LETR Iceland’sFirstEver Law EnforcementTorch Run® what wewhat were going

throughthe streets in Reykjanesbaer. The rain.wasThe race 1.5 kilometers about participated officers in the runwind in and and managedreally good.A total of 20 police proudthat theTorch first wasRun conducted organizedaweand Torch Run, were super pleasedwith this contribution. wifeMy and I Policeand Chief general wereofficers veryall NationalAssociation Police State of Officers, capital,Reykjavík, theof chairman the theof Southwest, policetheof chief in the Discussionswereheld with Policeof the Chief Reykjanesbaer10 2013.on November IcelandicSpecial GamesOlympics in the TorchRun first wouldin Iceland be in the conference.Consequently, wasit decided that inIceland whatweto hadlearned atthe introduceandpolice officers Special Olympics we After returned toIceland, we began to Nationalon Games 25 May2014. Iceland,whichwill the SO be Icelandfor lookforward projecttoour next LETRfor in participateinprojects, such weanda great Thanksagain allowing for Iceland to isitlike this "Logi Vonarinnar. " translatedHopeof " Flame " into Icelandic and should It be noted and thatwife me my stadiumand the games beganthere. wasson, indoorsour the in Reykjanesbaer Policein Southwest anda competitor who wastorch lighted Commissioner by the of

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TheThe GuardianGuardian the fun and action. see Please until next can’tyear!afterwards! wait We green was Day,Patricks everything St was more some money come stillin! to it As raised 10000Almost Eurowith has been Ireland. huge ofa amount publicity, Ireland, in previous events byt all, hour, every hour athletes a.m.,we 10:00 Naas in townlocation At centre. the we Madden, set about led bycolleagues Sergeant Garry After meeting up Ireland! in Dayever Patricks St Polar Plunge thefancyand dress outfits for first Plunge® scaffold pool, Polar frame complete Dublin outside with the town Naas,just picturesque of into Southern border to Ireland the across NorthernBelfast, Ireland the Naomi members Northern Service Ireland of LETR O

n Monday 17 March Mondayn 17 Police 2014,

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Page 15 Page Guardian The Guardian The

TheThe GuardianGuardian in Mercer County,in New Jersey. OlympicsUSASpecial Games Run Torch the Granite the represent in State 2014 involvement. his earned himrecognition nationallyalso for rubs Hisoff on andhas others enthusiasm Games. event State annual ahead Summer of the generate to and funds the runners for helping Run®Enforcement (LETR), Torch committed ofmembers the Law Barnes Today, isone thestate’s of most than more Hampshire years ago. 13 Manchester, New in Corrections of Hillsborough Department County startedthewhen working he at is exactlywhatwasBarnes for looking incorrectional officers positive more a light somethingenforcement to that do put with tochance gather law other experience of feelings positivity. Sergeant Syd Barnes notdoes often his ascorrectionalIn day a job officer, TorchRun. Hampshire GamesStateUSA the ofduring New 2014 CourtesySyd represent Photo:Barnes Sgt. will the

In June,In Barnes will By Gretyl Macalaster, Special OlympicsNewBy Special Hampshire Gretyl Macalaster,

SergeantSyd Barnes So the So

worry, said. it,”Barnes I’ll conquer 50 “I aYork attempted New City marathon. two completed a Boston and Marathons school throughand collegehas and is a also runner.Barnes commitmenthis about Olympics. Special to wifeissupportivehis nothingsaid but almostyears, and married for 15 Barnes wife,and his Barnes Lisa,have been nails. his colordaughters his latest polish pairdonning a of flip to showflops the off be uncommonwouldnot to see him is three The of father full humor,it and of said. the focus on team ofaspect it,” Barnes was thingdepartment, one did really I liaisonwhen tookover as I the for dozenin half people 2006 running,and started, I there were“When first maybe a lawin people enforcement. to see the others positive, of giving side with Specialconnection Olympics allows in negative seen a are light. only negative or receivethings for attention law in said He people often enforcement cause. lawand came together enforcement the for year thatspeakers and community how the wasmoved He by also athlete the together; start end together.” said. ofagainst instead other Barnes runners,” more pride“I took running people with saidhe wasBarnes immediately hooked. the team aspectabout theevent. of his before trainingfirst event learn only to wasthought it race and spent a weeks learned Barnes first When heabout LETR, - miler.

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17

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Page 16 Page Guardian The Guardian The

TheThe GuardianGuardian in USA 2006 Games Ames, Iowa in participating the Torch Run during the USA at a Games after representation event will round second Barnes This of be said. Barnes correctional withalong a officer,” being wellgoesas negative that the stigma as with to comes people intellectual disabilities negativeor perceptions when it ignorance judged. compete to withoutopportunities being get should everyone thesame thecause. “I believe in the leads effort year after year. saidthere tworeasons Barnes are he main Corrections. of Hillsborough Department County at of the thesupport administration wouldthis without said not be possible the StatehouseHampshire Concord. in Flame annuallyparticipate ofthe Guardians as Corrections of Hillsborough Dept. County Now,35anywhere from (Continued frompage not. Back”: Strikes “ Empire “The bydaily, in Yoda made famous shared thatlivesalso Barnes a motto he by

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Page 17 Page Guardian The Guardian The

TheThe GuardianGuardian Olympics Special Kong Hong Tam Sam SpecialOlympicsAthlete Appointee California, LETR Northern Peretti(chair) Mike Enforcement Law At Hawaii,LETR Kendro Kurt Enforcement Law At Hawaii,LETR Williams Antonio Enforcement Law At LETR Connecticut, RosaA Luis CouncilAppointee NewLETRYork, SteveNigrelli CouncilAppointee LETR Florida, McNeil Walter IACPAppointee LETR Illinois, RussLaine IACPAppointee Kansas,LETR LaMunyon Richard (Ret.) ChairmanEmeritus Olympics, Special Inc. Teem Michael SOI ExecutiveDirector of LETR California Olympics Special Southern Fernandez Rich SpecialOlympicsAt Olympics Special Oklahoma DeWendt (Vice Adrian SpecialOlympicsAt Olympics Special Missouri Musso Mark SpecialOlympicsAt Olympics Special International Peter Wheeler SpecialOlympicsAppointee Olympics Special Ontario MacDonnell Glenn SpecialOlympicsAppointee

- - -

- - - Large Large Large

Large Large Large - Chair)

LETR Ireland, Adams Jeremy WesternEurope RegionIX Wyoming,LETR Casalenda Ron ID, OR,WA, AK, MT, WY VIIIRegion California, LETRSouthern Abner Roberta GUAM AZ,CA,CO, HI, NV,CA,S. N. UT, NM, VIIRegion Oklahoma,LETR WollmershauserMark OK, LA, TX AR,KS, MO, VIRegion LETR Minnesota, Sheldon Richard ND,SD, NE, IA,MN, WI V Region LETR Indiana, Reno Jim OHIN,KY, MI, IL, RegionIV LETR Florida, Anderson Mike GA, NC,SC, FL, AL, TN MS, RegionIII LETR Maryland, Newnan John PA,NY, NJ, DC,DE, VA, MD, WV RegionII LETR Connecticut, Carlone Joe NH, RI,VTCT, ME, MA, RegionI

REGIONAL COORDINATORS REGIONAL

(AB, NF,NB, BS, (AB, MB, NWT, ON,PEI, NS, Canada XIRegion LETR Poland, Hachulski Jacek EasternEurope/Eurasia X Region El Salvador, LETR Salvador, El Civil Nacional El Policia de Salvador Caceres Vladimir LatinAmerica XV Region Australia,LETR Whyte Scott Oceania XIVRegion Arkansas,LETR Buford Bill Montserrat,Suriname) naire,Curacao, Aruba,Guyana, Haiti, Belize, Virginnique, Islands,St. US Maarten,Bo- Trinidad& Tobago, Marti- Guadeloupe, Rico,Grand Grenada, Cayman, Bahamas, Antigua,& Lucia, Kitts St. Nevis,St. Puerto Vincent, St. ( Dominica,Jamaica, Barbados, Carribbean XIIIRegion Olympics Special Kong Hong Chan Patrick East Asia XIIRegion Manuel Paul YK) SK, PQ,

(Ret.)

Guardian The Guardian The