Full Notification

On June 25^th, Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety personnel participated in the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (LETR). The multi-agency team, which consisted of Rohnert Park DPS, California Highway Patrol, Sebastopol Police Department, Cotati Police Department, and Sonoma State University Police, carried the “Flame of Hope” for a 7.7-mile trek from Rohnert Park to Petaluma. The LETR run is an annual fundraiser where law enforcement personnel raise money and awareness for Special Olympic Athletes. The LETR which is comprised of thousands of law enforcement personnel, has raised over $20 million for the organization in Northern California alone. To date over $1 billion has been raised globally to support Special Olympic Athletes. “We were very fortunate this year to have a large sponsorship for our Torch Run”, said Deputy Chief Aaron Johnson. “Central Valley Environmental graciously sponsored our run.  Community partners like this really highlight the collaborative effort to support such a worthy cause”.
 
The Special Olympics Summer Games will be held at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara from June 28-30, 2024. The Summer Games are a high-visibility, multi-day event which showcases the talent, determination and joy of our Special Olympics community. Along with intense competition, athletes have the opportunity to meet new friends, receive free health screenings and experience independence – often for the first time – all while being supported by family, friends and fans.
 
Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, Deputy Chief Aaron Johnson, who is currently a Special Olympics board member and the State Director for the Northern California Law Enforcement Torch Run, is a parent of a child with Intellectual Disabilities.  This year he gave a heartfelt speech at the beginning of the run reaffirming the positive impact that Special Olympics programs have on this community, as well as across the nation. His words of motivation set an inspirational tone for the local runners. It is with great pride and honor that Law Enforcement agencies continue to choose the Special Olympics organization as their charity of choice.

For information about the Special Olympics organization and ways to volunteer, donate, or see events, please visit LETRNorCal.