Law enforcement officials from throughout Aroostook County took part in the annual Torch Run the first week of June, raising funds for Special Olympics.
The torch began its journey in Fort Kent, with officers from various departments running and riding bikes on June 4 on the first leg of their journey. On June 5, another group of officers transported the torch from Caribou to Mars Hill — the final destination being Orono, where the Special Olympics were held that weekend.
The Presque Isle Police Department was one of several agencies whose members participated this year. The annual event gets its start even earlier in the year, when fundraising begins in earnest.
“The PIPD sends out letters to local businesses seeking donations. Different departments around the state do a variety of fund-raising events, including the annual protect-and-serve event, donut-eating contests, tip-a-cop events, Harley Davidson raffle, other raffles, etc.,” said Joey Seeley, local organizer for the event, and member of the PIPD.
Seeley said it’s not too late to donate.
“Donations can be sent to the PIPD, 43 North St., Presque Isle,” he said.
The PIPD has been involved for nearly 30 years.
“I believe the PIPD has participated since 1985 or around that time,” said Seeley.
The Presque Isle leg of the run featured law enforcement officers from the PIPD, Maine Warden Service, Maine Forest Service and U.S. Border Patrol, as well as Special Olympian Ryan Hansen. When the group arrived in Presque Isle, they stopped at the Marden’s parking lot on North Main Street for a brief visit with local athletes from the Central Aroostook Association.
Seeley offered a few facts about the annual Torch Run.
“In 1985 Chief Robert Bell of the Bridgton Police Department presented the idea of the Law Enforcement Torch Run to Special Olympics Maine’s Executive Director Mickey Boutillier, then to the Maine Chiefs of Police Association. As a result, the Maine Torch Run program began,” he said.
Seeley said each year nearly 700 members of Maine law enforcement run approximately 900 miles carrying “our Flame of Hope.”
“The state is divided into 15 sections or legs. Each leg covers a portion of the state and the run concludes on Friday evening of the Special Olympics Summer State Games at opening ceremonies. To date, the run has raised over $1 million,” said Seeley, a longtime supporter of Special Olympics who traveled to Japan with the Maine team about 10 years ago for an international competition.
For further information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run or Special Olympics Maine, contact your local police department or call the SOME Torch Run liaison, Lisa Bird, at 879-0489, ext. 15.
