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  • Nearly 800 Officers to Carry the Flame of Hope Across Delaware in the 39th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run

    The 39th Annual Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Delaware will take place from Wednesday, June 11, through Friday, June 13, 2025, bringing together nearly 800 law enforcement officers from across the state to carry the Flame of Hope in honor of the athletes of Special Olympics Delaware.

    Spanning multiple legs from Fenwick Island to Wilmington, this inspiring three-day event highlights law enforcement’s steadfast commitment to inclusion and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Since its inception, the Delaware Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised over $12 million to support year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

     

    Torch Run Schedule Highlights:

     

    Wednesday, June 11

    • Upstate: Begins at 9:00 a.m. at the New Castle County Police Department and travels to the Wilmington Police Department for a ceremony at 9:30 a.m., before continuing along Kirkwood Highway to Albertson Boulevard.
    • Downstate: Starts at 3:30 p.m. at Fenwick Island and travels to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand for a ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Following the ceremony, officers and athletes will complete a one-mile run to Grove Park.

    Thursday, June 12

    • Downstate: Two Torch Run Legs begin early—Delmar Police Department at 6:15 a.m. and Georgetown Circle at 6:55 a.m.—uniting in Harrington before continuing to Dover for a 1:45 p.m. ceremony on Legislative Mall.
    • Upstate: Departs the Middletown Police Department at 10:30 a.m. and also arrives in Dover in time for the afternoon ceremony. Law enforcement officers, Special Olympics athletes, and state legislators are invited to attend.

    Friday, June 13

    • The Torch leaves Newark Shopping Center at 4:15 p.m. and completes its journey with the Final Leg into the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware, where the Opening Ceremony for the 2025 Summer Games will begin at approximately 5:00 p.m.

     

    A Legacy of Inclusion

     

    The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is more than a relay—it is a symbol of hope, inclusion, and community. Officers from departments across the state come together to honor the strength and determination of Special Olympics athletes, while also helping to ensure that Delaware athletes continue to enjoy opportunities to grow in skill, confidence, and friendship.

    Special Olympics Delaware offers year-round training and competition in 15 sports, supported by a passionate community of volunteers, coaches, and sponsors. Programs like the Torch Run help make these experiences possible for thousands of athletes statewide. For more information or to get involved, visit Special Olympics Delaware.

    The post Nearly 800 Officers to Carry the Flame of Hope Across Delaware in the 39th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

  • Delaware State Trooper Named Special Olympics Delaware Torch Runner of the Year

    Delaware State Trooper Named Special Olympics Delaware Torch Runner of the Year

    Delaware State Police Sergeant Gary Fournier of Delaware State Police Troop 3 Patrol was recently recognized by Special Olympics Delaware as the recipient of the 2022 Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year.

    The Torch Runner of the Year award is the most prestigious honor presented to a law enforcement officer who supports the ideals, values, and principles of the Delaware Law Enforcement for Special Olympics movement.

    Sergeant Fournier received this award at a ceremony held on April 12, 2022, for his extensive involvement with Special Olympics Delaware (SODE). Over 25 years ago, Sergeant Fournier began volunteering with Special Olympics Delaware as a recruit trooper. However, his passion for this program started as a young child growing up in New York.

    Sergeant Fournier has fond memories of attending Special Olympic competitions to watch his cousin participate in various events. As a result, when he had the chance to participate in the Special Olympics Torch Run as a Recruit Trooper in the Delaware State Police Training Academy, he did so without hesitation.

    Since his initial Torch Run approximately 25 years ago, Sergeant Fournier’s involvement has expanded in positions held and time spent volunteering with Special Olympics. In 2012, he became a member of the Delaware Law Enforcement for Special Olympics Executive Committee and served in Kent County as a fundraiser and leg coordinator for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. In addition, Sergeant Fournier used his experience as a Delaware State Police Public Information Officer to ensure messaging related to the Torch Run events, activities, and purpose was effectively communicated to the community and media.

    In addition, as the Delaware State Police Motorcycle Supervisor, Sergeant Fournier has coordinated motorcycle escorts for several SODE events, including the Torch Run, Ride to the Tide, and Truck Convoy events. He is also involved as a volunteer and participant in events such as Dodgeball Madness, Over the Edge, 5k Run to the Plunge, and the Polar Bear Plunge. In 2019, through his work with the Special Olympics of Delaware was awarded the honor of representing Delaware in the 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics Final Leg at the World Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

    At the 2022 Summer Games Opening Ceremony, Sergeant Fournier will be presenting the “Flame of Hope” to the Athlete of the Year, Steve Dagg. It will be one more opportunity for Sergeant Fournier to present an athlete with a symbol of accomplishment, as he has done numerous times. Special Olympics Delaware credits Sergeant Fournier’s efforts over the past 25 years for what contributed to him winning the title of 2022 “Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year.”

    Congratulations, Sergeant Fournier, for your accomplishment, and thank you for proudly representing the Delaware State Police.