MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong is proud to announce the Sheriff’s Office partnered with other local law enforcement and Special Olympics Tennessee – Area 15 this morning for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the precursor to the kick-off of the Area 15 Special Olympics held at Heritage High School today.

It was a beautiful morning for the participants, including several Sheriff’s deputies, who gathered at the Blount County Justice Center early this morning for the six mile run to Heritage High School. The runners, who represented law enforcement and members of the community, carried the torch and the Special Olympics flags during the run. The group was escorted by local law enforcement to assure their safety during the run on East Lamar Alexander Parkway. Upon their arrival, the group of runners joined some of the Special Olympics participants to kick-off the event.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) began in 1981 by Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon. He thought the Torch Run would help local law enforcement be active in the community and support Special Olympics Kansas. In 1983, the International Chiefs of Police endorsed the Torch Run and became the founding law enforcement organization. With the support of IACP, LETR became the movement’s largest public awareness and fundraising group for Special Olympics.

The BCSO and other local law enforcement agencies have proudly participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for many years. Thanks to everyone who participated in today’s Torch Run!