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Local effort surpasses Brentwood PD in proceeds

Franklin County has emerged as the top fundraiser in Tennessee for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run this year by securing more than $5,000 at the local level to contribute toward efforts by the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Two segments of the local Torch Run were held Friday with law enforcement personnel leaving Huntland School at 9 a.m., running 18 miles to the Franklin County High School football stadium, with a second, eight-mile segment involving Franklin County Sheriff’s Sgt. Sam Davidson running solo, supported by daughter Presley, at 11:30 a.m. from Rock Creek Elementary School to FCHS.

The Torch Run’s mission is to raise awareness and funding for the Special Olympics. Since its founding in 1981, it has become the largest movement toward public acknowledgement and monetary funding for the Special Olympics.

While providing a significant impact in the way of fundraising, the organization also encourages community involvement for law enforcement.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Sgt. Sam Davidson, a key event organizer, said the support Franklin County residents have given to Special Olympics is tremendous.

“It says how remarkable our community is and how blessed we are to have such giving members of our community step forward to help out,” he said, adding that the kind gestures are greatly appreciated.

Jennifer McAfee, Law Enforcement Torch Run director for Tennessee, said Franklin County, with participation from the Sheriff’s Office, Decherd and Estill Springs police departments and the Winchester Fire Department, has surpassed the Brentwood Police Department as the top Special Olympics fundraising entity in the state.

“We have 18,000 Special Olympics athletes free to participate in everything, depending on the fundraising efforts,” she said. “We are very glad Franklin County was able to raise the money it did for the Torch Run this year and surpass Brentwood.”

After the torch-run segments had reached FCHS, County Mayor Chris Guess read a proclamation to the student body at the football stadium, declaring the county’s support for the Special Olympics cause.

The proclamation says:

“Whereas, what started in 1981 as a flicker of hope for the Special Olympics has now become stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide.

“Whereas, known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the “Flame of Hope’ into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. This symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.”

“Whereas, the mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement; LETR has helped change the future for special-needs individuals.

“Whereas, LETR has grown powerfully, raising over $415 million for Special Olympics. The LETR can be found in 46 countries with more than 85,000 volunteers.”

“Whereas, LETR is changing the future for people with intellectual disabilities. Through the LETR and Special Olympics partnership, we are lighting the way for acceptance and inclusion. Franklin County Law Enforcement has been participating in the Torch Run for several years to show our support and interest in the future of our community and the ones with disabilities.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved that Franklin County, Tennessee, hereby supports the Law Enforcement Torch Run on Oct. 20, 2023.”

The Torch Run has grown over the years and has expanded into a variety of other programs, including The Polar Bear Plunge, Plane Pulls and Tip-A-Cop.

The event has helped change the future for Special Olympics athletes and individuals, and the money raised locally contributes to that effort.

McAfee has extended her thanks to the law enforcement personnel who have done so much to help the Special Olympics cause.

“We truly are very appreciative of everything they’ve done,” she said.

McAfee paid tribute to Davidson for the active role he has taken in promoting the Torch Run in Franklin County.

“He really spearheaded the effort here for us,” she said. “He’s done a great job.”

Davidson said the money raised from the Torch Run goes beyond just supporting Special Olympics events.

He said Torch Run proceeds go toward paying for medical benefits, including health, hearing, dental, vision and emotional-therapy sessions.

“The money we receive really does a lot more than you might think,” Davidson said. “It goes a long way in helping those who really need it.”