The Melbourne Police Department is proud to announce its participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Florida. This annual event, brings together law enforcement agencies from across the state to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympic athletes. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a symbol of hope and inclusion, as officers and athletes carry the “Flame of Hope” through communities, spreading the message of acceptance and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This year the Melbourne Police Department is honored to host the Brevard County leg of the run, uniting with fellow law enforcement personnel, athletes, and community members to support a worthy cause. Chief David Gillespie, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are thrilled to be a part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida. This event exemplifies our commitment to serving and uplifting our community, and we are honored to host this event in the City of Melbourne.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase awareness of Special Olympics. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), now recognized as the founding law enforcement organization of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, quickly adopted the Torch Run. The IACP’s enthusiastic support enabled the Torch Run to expand into nine states.
Brevard County Law Enforcements leg of the LETR will be hosted by the Melbourne Police Department starting at Front Street Civic Center traveling eastbound over the Melbourne Causeway for one mile then turning back west to Front Street ending where we started. We invite you to join our law enforcement family and run for Special Olympics Florida. It costs nothing to run. The only requirement is that you purchase a 2024 LETR for Special Olympics Florida T-Shirt.
Shirts can be purchased through your registration here, simply put your shirt size in the comment section when you RSVP. We will also have T-shirts on sale the day of the event.
Participating agencies are Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, West Melbourne PD, Indialantic PD, Palm Bay PD, Rockledge PD, Cocoa Beach PD, Satellite Beach PD, Melbourne Airport PD, Titusville PD, FWC, Florida Department of Corrections, EFSC, and U.S. Probation Middle District of Florida.
