By Mike Kinney
Local police departments joined officers across Northern California on Wednesday in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Northern California.
Designated as “Guardians of the Flame,” Richmond officers received the torch, known as the “Flame of Hope,” from San Pablo officers at Food Maxx on Rheem Avenue. They embarked south on San Pablo Avenue, handing off to Grocery Outlet partners on Macdonald Avenue. They continued together to join El Cerrito police runners en route to El Cerrito City Hall. The baton was then passed to Kensington PD.
Together, the officers raised over $1,700 for the worthy cause.
“We were proud to carry the torch down San Pablo Avenue as our community members cheered us on.”
“We are beyond honored to continue our support for the incredible athletes of the Special Olympics,” the RPD stated. “Let’s keep the momentum going!”
Added San Pablo police, “We were proud to carry the torch down San Pablo Avenue as our community members cheered us on.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run stands as the foremost grassroots awareness campaign and fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Participants—dubbed the Guardians of the Flame—comprise law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes who jointly carry the “Flame of Hope” into opening ceremonies at local events, as well as at State, Provincial, National, Regional, and World Games.
Each year, close to 110,000 law enforcement personnel take part in this relay, bearing the Flame of Hope as a symbol of bravery and a celebration of diversity, uniting communities across the globe.
