Columbus Police Department participates in 41st torch run

COLUMBUS,Ga. ( WRBL ) — Local law enforcement participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, an annual fundraising event that benefits the Special Olympics.

The Torch Run is the largest public awareness fundraiser for the Special Olympics.  This year marks 41 years of participation by the Columbus Police Department (CPD).

“We’re the longest running agency in the state of Georgia,” said Sgt. Angela Florence with CPD’s community relations unit about the significance of the event.

She continued, “The fact that they’re continuing to be a part of this just shows how much the Columbus Police Department enjoys the citizens of Columbus.”

In 2023, CPD raised $19,000 for the Special Olympics; they hope to raise over $30,000 this year.

Bush continued, “It lets them know that the Columbus Police Department and Sheriff department is really giving something back to the community,” said CPD Reserve Office Donald Bush. “We’re doing something positive for the community.”

Bush added the departments also want to make Special Olympics athletes feel good.

Runners began at the CPD and traveled to the Lake Oliver marina. Sergeant Lyon of the Columbus Police Department shared with WRBL about Thursday’s run.

“ It was fun running up Second Avenue. You see the little kids in the school come out cheering so that it always makes you feel good when you see people out there cheering,” said CPD’s Sgt. Dan Lyon.

He said people would stop their cars and ask what the event was as the runners went down the street.

The Special Olympics of Georgia will have it’s state Games on the Emory University campus. The final leg of the Torch Run will be there.

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