2023 marks the 40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run with officers, known as “Guardians of the Flame” showing that the “Flame of Hope” is alive and well for years to come in the Garden State.
On Friday, June 9, the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey will feature more than 3,000 officers taking to the streets of their local communities, split up into 26 separate legs with some starting as early as 4:45 a.m., and run to raise awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey. The Annual Torch Run will precede Special Olympics New Jersey’s Summer Games taking place on The College of New Jersey campus from June 9-11.
Driven by the willingness of the New Jersey Law Enforcement officers to do more, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began to expand over the years. With over $2 million raised annually by more than 3,000 officers through local and statewide events, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey has been recognized in the world for many years as one of the top grassroots fundraising organizations for Special Olympics. Fundraising events that are conducted year-round in New Jersey include an Adopt-a-Cop campaign for the annual Torch Run, three Polar Bear Plunges, the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K, the United Airlines Plane Pull and golf outings to name a few. In addition to fundraising, Law Enforcement officers volunteer at athlete competitions and events year-round, while serving as ambassadors in local communities.