The 2007 recipient of the Scott Bryant Unsung Hero Award is Sgt. Rod Rhiner, Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Enforcement (DOT-MVE). Rod has been involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) since 1996, when he ran in the Torch Run for the first time. Since then, Rod's involvement has blossomed serving on the LETR committee and helping with various events including Truck Convoy, Cop on Top, Tip a Cop, t-shirt sales and coordinating the involvement of DOT-MVE, which has long been the top fundraising agency in the state.
In 2004, Rod's involvement strengthened as he got his friend and co-worker, Kelly Sharp, to participate in Special Olympics. Kelly is now a Global Messenger and Rod serves as his coach for his speaking engagements at various events.
The Scott Bryant Memorial Award was created to recognize outstanding individuals who have contributed to the success of the LETR on a local, state or community level. The Scott Bryant "Unsung Hero" is someone who contributes to the Torch Run and Special Olympics in spirit, dedication and enthusiasm in an effective and unheralded fashion. The award was also created to honor the memory of Scott Bryant, Iowa State Penitentiary and his many contributions to the LETR and Special Olympics. The award is intended to be presented by the Bryant family and to recognize an unsung Torch Run volunteer on behalf of Scott Bryant, who was himself an unsung Torch Run hero.
Rod's dedication to the LETR has made a difference to many of the SOIA athletes. Congratulations to Rod Rhiner on this great honor!