Independence Police Department supports Special Olympics

Each year the Independence Police Department participates in a very important event that brings happiness, joy, and encouragement to thousands of young athletes who compete in the Missouri Special Olympics. That event is the internationally recognized Law Enforcement Torch Run on behalf of Special Olympics.

The LETR had its beginnings 22 years ago and today is holding events in all 50 U.S. states, as well as 35 countries around the world.  The events raise $20 million annually, and recruits more than 15,000 law enforcement personnel from around the world. 

The founding organization for Missouri’s Torch Run for Special Olympics is the Missouri Police Chief’s Association. Missouri’s Torch Run has developed into a four-day relay covering more than 950 miles from its 30-mile run beginnings in 1986. More than 1,000 runners from nearly 200 police agencies will participate in Missouri’s LETR and raise both funds and awareness for more than 14,000 athletes who participate in Missouri's year-round sports training and athletic competition program. 

The Missouri LETR consistently ranks among the top four worldwide for funds raised.

On May 27, the Independence Police Department will field approximately 20 runners in this year’s LETR and will make a 13-mile run from Knob Noster to Sedalia, Mo. 

The 18 IPD personnel signed up to run so far are: Maj. Dennie Jensen, captains Terry Storey, Danny Cummings, Keith Leap, Sgt. Mark Kelsey, detectives Mike Hicks, Mark Evans, Ken Royster, officers Alicia Smith, Jeff Lowe, Jeff Nunn, Ted Knox, Emily Knox, Sean Allwood, civilian personnel Lisa McDaniel, Amy Petree, Sheila Schmidt, and Marc Varone. 

On May 28-30, the Missouri Special Olympics competition will be held in Springfield, Mo., on the Missouri State University and Drury University campuses.

“I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Special Olympics athletes,” said Administrative Specialist II Amy Petree from the Investigations Division. “Any opportunity we have to bring happiness into their lives is a joy that will last forever.” 

Amy is IPD’s LETR coordinator for this year.

If you would like to help bring happiness to the lives of our Special Olympics athletes, please call Laurie Shadoan or Susan Stegeman at 1-800-846-2682. Special Olympics Missouri is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and is tax deductible.