A group of county law enforcement and first response agencies will trek 14 miles Wednesday to bring awareness to this year’s Kentucky Special Olympics event. Coinciding with National Police Week, the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run will also pay respect to those who have given their lives in service to their communities.
The first Torch Run was held more than 35 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, when the police chief recognized a need to bring awareness to the local Special Olympics.
According to Daviess County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tyler Free, this will mark the 27th consecutive year that Sheriff Keith Cain and members of the DCSO have participated in the Torch Run.
“This is a 14-mile trek from Sheriff Cain’s residence in Newman to the Daviess County Courthouse,” Free said.
Three members of the DCSO will participate in the event, along with three Daviess County Fire Department personnel. Free said personnel with the Daviess County Detention Center have been invited to attend this year’s Torch Run as well.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is not a timed event. According to Free, it serves as a chance for the DCSO, DCFD and DCDC staff to “have fun and support a worthy cause at the same time.”
Those participating will meet at Cain’s residence Wednesday at 5:15 a.m. before taking off on the long hike to downtown Owensboro. They will walk along US 60 West, Griffith Station Road, River Road, Medley Road, Ewing Road and Chesterfield Drive before ending the trek at the Daviess County Courthouse.
The Kentucky Special Olympics summer games will be held June 5 in Richmond.
National Police Week runs from May 9-15, with Free saying it gives “law enforcement, survivors and the community a chance to remember and pay respect to those who have given their lives in service to their communities.”
