Across the Golden State, staff from all areas of CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) carried the Flame of Hope torch to raise money for Special Olympics.
The following are just some of the institutions, divisions, or programs who participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run 2024.
CDCR Secretary attends Special Olympics Torch Run ceremony
CDCR and CCHCS staff volunteers laced their running shoes and carried the Flame of Hope to a ceremony at the Sacramento Capitol on June 24, kicking off the Summer Games of the Special Olympics of Northern California.
Photos by Ike Dodson, Public Information Officer II, CCHCS
San Quentin runners carry torch over Golden Gate Bridge
San Quentin Facility Capt. Z. Robberecht wanted to get more involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run. After pitching the idea to Warden Chance Andes and Chief Deputy Warden Oak Smith, who is also an avid runner, they agreed to participate.
San Quentin’s runners started their 13.2-mile trek at the Central Marin Police Department. Smith and Robberecht joined with Marin and Sausalito police departments on the route, meeting the rest of the San Quentin team at the last check point at the Golden Gate Bridge.
“When we were at mile 12 tackling the steep hills in Sausalito, it was very challenging. It was great to see roughly 30 of our CRT members and administrative staff waiting for us and cheering us on,” said Robberecht.
Barragan said he was honored to be a part of the team.
“This was a win for San Quentin and CDCR,” he said. “Running across the Golden Gate Bridge was surreal.”
Officer B. Brooks, a 13-year CDCR employee, serves as a squad leader for the San Quentin CRT.
“It was an honor to (carry the torch) across the Golden Gate Bridge. As a CRT member, we depend on each individual team member and every experience we have together to solidify the foundation as one family. I believe this event did that for us,” Brooks said.
Smith said it is an honor to serve the community.
“One of the most impacting things I do, one of the ways I ascribe meaning to my life and career, is to serve people who are vulnerable,” Smith said.
The group completed their run, passing the torch to the San Francisco Police Department.
“I have been participating in events like the polar plunge and torch run for several years to support the Special Olympics. This year was one of the most meaningful for two reasons,” said Warden Andes. “First is the amazing San Quentin team’s participation and support. Second is the opportunity to carry the torch over the Golden Gate Bridge.”
San Quentin raised over $3,600 for the cause.
Submitted by Lt. G. Berry
CMF picks up torch from Vacaville Police Department
California Medical Facility (CMF) volunteers began their journey when they picked up the torch from the Vacaville Police Department. CMF team members then ran four miles to the front entrance of CMF. There, they passed the torch to the team from California State Prison, Solano. CMF also raised $2,115 to support Special Olympics.
Submitted by Lt. P. Gonzalez
Photo by Revinia Libatique, nursing coordinator
CMF hands off torch to CSP-Solano
After the team from California State Prison, Solano, received the torch at CMF, they carried it to their own institution. They then passed the torch to runners from Travis Air Force Base. The Solano incarcerated population also raised over $10,000 for the cause.
Submitted by acting Capt. J. Guerrero, CSP-Solano
Pelican Bay staff join in Del Norte County torch run
The Special Olympics Northern California Del Norte teams carried the Flame of Hope from the parking lot of Ocean World to the Crescent City California Highway Patrol office.
During the run, teams made an intermediate stop at the Del Norte Sheriff’s Office. The runners included teams from Pelican Bay State Prison, Del Norte Sheriff, Crescent City Police, and CHP, along with families, supporters, and Special Olympic athletes.
Submitted by Lt. S. Leon
High Desert State Prison runs for Special Olympics
Staff from High Desert State Prison gathered June 17 to participate in the third annual Lassen County Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. During the run, they joined other law enforcement agencies, beginning with an opening ceremony.
The run began with an opening ceremony as organizers thanked participating organizations. High Desert Warden St. Andre also presented a donation check totaling over $1,200.
The journey began as runners made their way through the streets of Lassen County guided by police escorts and loud cheers from community members.
Submitted by Lt. J. Micone
Central California Women’s Facility runs with the torch
Staff volunteers from Central California Women’s Facility ran with the torch as it made its way across the state. The Chowchilla institution joined numerous other law enforcement agencies for the Torch Run.
Submitted by Lt. M. Williams
Valley State Prison carries Special Olympics torch
Five enthusiastic Valley State Prison staff volunteers joined forces to support the torch run, raising $1,102.
The Community Resource Office, along with the use of force coordinator, collaborated with the Madera Probation Department. Together, they set up the halfway point water booth, finish line, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.
Valley State Prison staff ran two legs of the torch run, totaling 3.8 miles through Madera and Chowchilla.
They were joined by colleagues from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Madera Police Department, Madera Probation, Chowchilla Police Department, California Highway Patrol and CDCR Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) staff.
“Participating in the Special Olympics torch run was an incredibly positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. It was wonderful to see our staff come together with other local agencies to support such a meaningful cause,” according to a statement from the Community Resource Office. “The camaraderie and community spirit were truly uplifting.”
Submitted by Lt. H. Gastelum
CHCF carries torch in Tracy
The California Health Care Facility (CHCF) team, called the CHCF Guardians, participated in a 5-mile trek from the shuttered Deuel Vocational Institution to the Tracy Police Department. The relay leg was one of many taken to carry the Flame of Hope to the 2024 Special Olympic Summer Games.
The 34 runners and bicycle riders consisted of custody and non-custody staff. CHCF staff also raised over $5,900 for the Special Olympics.
Submitted by Lt. M. Orozco
Sierra Conservation Center runs in Sonora
On June 18, Sierra Conservation Center staff joined Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department, Sonora Police Department and California Highway Patrol of Sonora to escort the Special Olympics Flame of Hope torch on its journey to the 2024 Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games. Sierra Conservation Center staff from various classifications ran from the Red Church on Washington Street onto Stockton Road to the Motherlode Fairgrounds. Collectively, staff also raised $2,649.
Submitted by Lt. R.S. Jauregui
CRC raises $7,000 for Special Olympics
California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) volunteers helped Special Olympics Southern California during the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run. Dozens of CRC staff ran 2.5 miles carrying the Flame of Hope through the Norco community. In addition to proceeds raised from participating in the run, a food sale for the incarcerated population at CRC helped present Special Olympics Southern California with a donation of almost $7,000.
Submitted by G. Harrison, Community Resource Manager
CIM runs for Special Olympics Southern California
California Institution for Men (CIM) participated in the Southern California Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run with a total of 24 runners from custody and non-custody. They ran side by side with Chino Police Department, completing a 4.3-mile run. CIM staff also raised $6,200 for this year’s Special Olympics through Tip-A-Cop fundraisers at Roscoe’s Deli and BJ’s Brewhouse. Meanwhile, the incarcerated population raised an additional $2,242 from food sales.
Submitted by Lt. P. Ybarra
El Monte District parole runs through Irvine
Parole agents from the El Monte District and other members of the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) ran through the streets of Irvine in the Law Enforcement Torch Run May 30.
The route took them through various neighborhoods, as residents cheered. After some law enforcement partners were unable to attend, parole agents agreed to run an additional leg.
DAPO team’s willingness to go the extra mile exemplified the true spirit of the torch run and highlighted the sense of community and commitment among law enforcement.
Unit Supervisor Robles, a seasoned runner, said this event was a unique experience for him, as it was his first time running for a cause.
Overall, the agents raised over $3,600.
Submitted by Parole Administrator Melanie Reyes and Unit Supervisor Jorge Robles
South Bay, Central Coast parole runs for Special Olympics
Staff from the South Bay Parole District joined forces with the Central Coast District to raise donations, bring awareness and support Special Olympics athletes through the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The torch began its journey in Monterey County starting in King City before heading through Greenfield, Soledad, Salinas, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Del Rey Oaks, Seaside, CSU-Monterey Bay, and Marina. In the city of Salinas, torch runners from Monterey County Probation, CHP, Salinas Police, the Correctional Training Facility, Salinas Valley State Prison, Sheriff’s Department, and the Salinas and Redwood City Parole along with the Monterey County District Attorney’s office.
Community members gathered on the streets to cheer on the torch runners. The principle of this event is to support special Olympic athletes and this year two Special Olympic athletes joined the run. One athlete will be competing in the swimming events and the other will be competing in Bocce. They joined in calling out cadence, keeping everyone in sync and added to the overall experience of being united for a great cause. Collectively, Monterey County agencies raised over $23,000 this year.
Submitted by Arti Parmar
Special Assistant to Director Jason D. Johnson
Round-up compiled by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
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