Law Enforcement Torch Run

The LETR began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas, Police Chief Richard LaMunyon conceived the Torch Run as a way to involve local law enforcement personnel in the community and to support Special Olympics Kansas.  After three years of successful Torch Runs in Kansas, LaMunyon presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).  With IACP’s enthusiastic support and leadership, as well as the involvement of all facets of the law enforcement community - sheriff’s associations, police unions, state, county, municipal, military and federal law enforcement, and corrections officers – the Torch Run is now active in all 50 United States, 10 Canadian provinces and territories and 35 nations, involving more than 90,000 law enforcement participants from all over the world.

The LETR began in 1987 in Iowa and has evolved into the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics Iowa.  In Iowa, events include our Final Leg Run, which kicks off the State Summer Games in May; statewide Polar Plunges, Cop on Tops, Tip a Cops, T-shirt sales, Truck Convoy, Car Show, Dance and Auction, and more.  In 2009, the Law Enforcemnt Torch Run in Iowa raised over $420,000. 

 Torch Run Facts

• The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is held in 50 states and in 35  nations raising $40 million annually and recruiting more than 15,000 law enforcement officers from all over the world. The original Torch Run began 27 years ago in Kansas as a vision of Chief Richard LaMunyon who wanted to give his officers an opportunity to participate in something positive.
   
• The mission of the LETR is to raise both dollars and awareness for Special Olympics. Nearly 100 agencies and 1,500 officers work year-round in Iowa to accomplish this goal. The LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics Iowa.
   
• In 2010, the Iowa LETR raised more than  $572,900.00 for Special Olympics Iowa. All funds raised help support Special Olympics Iowa's year-round sports training and athletic competition.
   
• Special events like Polar Plunges, Cop on Top, Tip A Cop, a Truck Convoy and more. Additional funding comes from the sale of Torch Run t-shirts that feature a new design each year. Sponsors and corporate donations help round out these fundraising efforts.
   
• State sponsorships are available for companies and organizations seeking to partner with law enforcement to help Special Olympics Iowa.

Guardians of the Flame Newsletter

Guardians of the Flame is the monthly newsletter for Iowa's Law Enforcement Torch Run.  This publication highlights events occuring throughout the state and features ideas for new fundraising opportunities in your area.  If you would like to start receiving Guardians of the Flame by email, please subscribe by contacting Lindsay 515-986-5520 or leastin@soiowa.org.

 LETR Participating Departments

Thank you to all of the participating departments! 

Law Enforcement Torch Run Sponsors