Torch Run sees local LEOs and community out in support of Special Olympics

CHESTERTOWN — On Monday, before it got too hot, the police were out on the streets.

That’s always a good thing, to patrol, protect and to serve. But this was also good thing; to run in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics as athletes prepare for the summer games in Towson University, June 22-24.

The Torch Run is the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for the Special Olympics. The law enforcement members are called Guardians of the Flame, and annually more than 100,000 officers carry the “flame of hope.”

Senior Director of Special Events Betsy Jiron said the police run so that over 2,000 athletes can compete at the games completely free.

Jiron added, participants walking/running will join police all over the state to light the cauldron that ushers in the summer games.

At the water’s edge at High Street in Chestertown there were 23 participants this year for run, a huge increase from last, which was just Chief Ron Dixon, Cpl. Chris Schwink and his daughter, Sadie.

This year, troopers from the Chestertown Police Department, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office, employees from Washington College, the Department of Social Services and the Steve Meehan Law Firm, all tied up their sneakers.

Bright and early at 9 a.m., they ran, walked, and took turns carrying the special torch and waving the flag representing the torch run. Their route consisted of High Street, Mill Street, then along the Wayne Gilchrist Trail to Wilmer Park, their destination.

After that, in a mode of transportation befitting the Shore, Schwink travelled to Georgetown Yacht Basin, then went by Galena boat across the Sassafras, meeting with Elkton Police Department Ofc. Anthony Devine in Cecil County where the torch was passed.

The torch is with them now, in a show of solidarity and support for the Special Olympics.

To celebrate the athletes here, the annual Kayaking Time Trials and Kayaking Championships take place in Chestertown the last week of July.

Jack Borsius, 1972 Olympian and coach, was on-hand to support the police. He said he’s taking measures to get his 22 kayakers ready to break some records.