About Torch Run

The best decision I made in my police career was to align with Special Olympics." - Retired Nashville Police Chief Joe Casey

Former Nashville Police Chief Joe Casey

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Tennessee unites officers from law enforcement agencies across the state in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Tennessee. Torch Run efforts to raise funds include collecting selling T-shirts and hosting unique fundraising events such as Tip-A-Cops, Polar Plunges, Cop On Top, Pulling for a Purpose, thROWdown and golf tournaments.

Each year, law enforcement officials carry the Flame of Hope across the state culminating with the Torch Run Final Leg, and the lighting of the cauldron to officially open the Special Olympics State Summer Games in Nashville. The LETR program involves more than 1750 law enforcement officers and personnel representing more than 100 law enforcement agencies across Tennessee.

Learn More About Law Enforcement Torch Run

About Torch Run The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Tennessee unites officers from law enforcement agencies across the state in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Tennessee. Torch Run efforts to raise funds include collecting selling T-shirts and hosting unique fundraising events such as Tip-A-Cops, Polar Plunges, Cop On Top, Pulling for a Purpose, thROWdown and golf tournaments.
History of Torch Run LETR began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created the Torch Run. He thought the Torch Run would help law enforcement be active in the community and support Special Olympics Kansas. In 1983, Chief LaMunyon presented the program to Chief Joe Casey and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). They decided to endorse Torch Run and became the “Founding Law Enforcement Organization.” With the IACP’s support, LETR became the movement's largest public awareness and fundraising group for Special Olympics.
Torch Run Routes Chief Joe Casey was a long-time supporter of Special Olympics and was instrumental in bringing the Law Enforcement Torch Run into a global movement. To honor his commitment, we are hosting numerous Torch Runs in 2023 to coincide with area and state spring and summer games.