TAPD starts first leg of Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
TEXARKANA, Ark. — Texarkana Arkansas Police Department started the southwest leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run on Monday morning.
TAPD officers will run the torch 18 miles to runners in Hempstead County in a journey toward Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas for the Special Olympics opening ceremony on Thursday.
“This is a tradition for the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department to be in the Law Enforcement Torch run,” Chief Kristi Bennett said. “It’s a good time for us to come together for awareness of our Special Olympics. Our athletes are incredible.”
TAPD’s runners were officers Kelly Pilgreen, Alan Fincher and Daniel Thomas and Capt. Jeff Gladden.
“We’re excited because we didn’t get to participate last year so everybody is raring to go this year,” Pilgreen said. “This run helps Special Olympics raise funds for the athletes, so it’s just a community-oriented and state-oriented thing, and it’s law enforcement. We want to be involved.”
Officer Chris Estes led the officers on their run by starting the motorcade with his motorcycle. Officer Les Munn drove the TAPD mobile command vehicle, in which officers could take a rest during their journey.
“I think it’s special to all the officers involved,” Pilgreen said.
In a news release, TAPD cited law enforcement’s close ties with the Special Olympics.
“The LETR movement is essential to the success of Special Olympics Arkansas as they not only volunteer their time to help our athletes, they also organize fundraisers in their local communities for Special Olympics and will raise over $500,000 each year for the Special Olympics Arkansas program.”