Across California, CDCR and CCHCS staff proudly carried the Special Olympics Flame of Hope during the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The annual event brings law enforcement agencies together to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics athletes and programs.
This round-up will be updated as more submissions are received. See how the run culminated at the Capitol (link opens new window).
California Institutions for Men and Women
Employees from California Institution for Men (CIM) along with employees from the California Institution for Women (CIW) joined runners from the Chino Police Department to participate in the 40th annual Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run on June 1. The weather did not make it an easy day for the brave runners as they endured higher than normal temperatures. The team was led by CIM acting Chief Deputy Warden (CDW) Richard Montes.
CDW Montes carried the torch as the team ran by the CIM entrance. The Chino team was handed the torch from the Chino Hills Police Department as they began the five-mile run through the city of Chino delivering the torch to the Montclair Police Department.
CIM donated $5,008 to the Special Olympics.
The runners were highly motivated as they received extra motivation with their families’ holding signs and encouraging the team as they ran down Central Avenue. Employee participation continues to grow as the CIM and CIW teams train for the run months in advance.
Story by Lt. Omar Ramirez
Photos by Angela Wirth, Community Resources Manager
California Medical Facility
Led by Warden Sircoya Williams, California Medical Facility (CMF) participated in this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run. They raised $5,625 to support Special Olympics athletes. CMF received the torch from Vacaville Police Department, then ran approximately four miles to the front entrance of CMF. Waiting for them were supporters and volunteer runners from California State Prison-Solano, ready for the ceremonial passing of the flame.
California Men’s Colony
Run along with CMC volunteers (no audio):
Staff volunteers from California Men’s Colony (CMC) in San Luis Obispo participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run June 1. CMC staff joined fellow participants in the run, demonstrating support for local athletes and their families.
California Rehabilitation Center
California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) at Norco raised funds and awareness for Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC). Led by acting Chief Deputy Warden Hector Lopez, CRC staff volunteers worked with Riverside Sheriff’s Office to carry the Flame of Hope through the communities of Ontario, Eastvale and Norco. 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 over $2,000.
Correctional Training Facility, Salinas Valley State Prison, DAPO
Approximately 30 staff members from the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) and Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad proudly participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The team joined local law enforcement agencies to run three separate legs of the relay totaling more than five miles on May 20. The first segment began with the City of Soledad Police Department, followed by a leg alongside the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Salinas. The final leg brought together Salinas Probation, Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, Salinas Police Department, CHP, and several other law enforcement agencies.
“This year’s event had an incredible turnout and showcased the strong partnership between local public safety agencies across Monterey County,” said organizers.
Correctional Counselor Shannon Dunaven, who coordinated this year’s fundraiser and staff participation, appreciated all the support.
“We are proud to stand alongside our law enforcement partners and look forward to making next year’s Torch Run even bigger and better,” Dunaven said.
Division of Adult Parole Operations-Southern Region
Agents and staff from the Division of Adult Parole Operations-Southern Region also volunteered to raise funds and carry the Flame of Hope. They carried the torch from Costa Mesa to Irvine.
California State Prison-Solano
California State Prison-Solano participated in this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run, raising $1,880 to support Special Olympics athletes. Solano received the torch from CMF.
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