The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Ontario is happy to announce and welcome, Derek Spence as the new Manager of the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run! Derek recently retired from the London Police Service (LPS) after 32.5 years of service, but his involvement with the LETR for Special Olympics dates back over 30 years. After years of …
Sergeant Aaron Gross is the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) representative for the Niagara Regional Police Service. With his involvement he helps coordinate officers in attendance for local SOO School Programs, Polar Plunge, other fundraising initiatives, and program events. Aaron goes beyond that by taking part in additional events across the province such as the …
Since the beginning of his 21-year policing career, Staff Sergeant John Doran was a steadfast supporter of Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). John’s participation initially started when he got involved with the annual Peel Regional Police Catherine Heaney Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario (SOO). As a result of John’s leadership qualities and passion for supporting the athletes, his participation in LETR evolved to that of …
Constable Randall Arsenault of the Toronto Police Service got his start with Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) this past year! “Admittedly, I’ve heard about LETR for many years, however, I never got involved on a personal level,” said Randall. When the COVID-19 pandemic made its way to Canada, Randall saw the loss of programming Special Olympics athletes faced and how they were impacted by the shutdowns. Randall …
Marc Brunette’s first exposure to Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) began early on in his policing career when Sergeant Joanne Pendrak (now retired) recruited him to get involved. “She had a remarkable ability to recruit members of our Police Service to join the good cause that is LETR,” said Marc. His involvement started with fundraising and participating in local Torch Run’s. “This is …
Jeffery McLean got his start with Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) during his time with the Shelburne Police Service. His first involvement began with participating in a Torch Run as an Auxiliary Constable, with about 100 other runners. Fast forward to 2020, Jeffery became the Chair of the Shelburne Police Service’s local LETR committee. Now, Jeffery wears a new uniform. As Shelburne Police Service disbanded and transitioned into the Ontario …
Tammie Staples’ Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) journey began in 2003 when a new constable at the time asked her to help out with Special Olympics duties. “We involved local kids in our community to ride on a float as we ran with the torch through the town, supporting LETR and Special Olympics,” said Tammie. After moving into a Community Liaison position with the Port Hope Police Service (PHPS), part of …
It all started 10 years ago when Mike McAllister invited Aletta Brown to a LETR event. “I met the athletes and never looked back,” said Aletta. “I loved everything about Special Olympics Ontario!” To this day, Aletta’s involvement has continued because of her connection with the athletes. “The athletes. The smiles. Knowing that I am making a difference,” all of which …
Energy, comradery, teamwork, enthusiasm – these are all elements that Sarah Dereski experienced during her first Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) event that have kept her hooked ever since! Seven years ago, Sarah’s LETR involvement began through her participation in the Race for Plunkett in York, as well as the Polar Plunge at the Correctional Services College. “I knew there was no going back, and I was going to be a part of this fantastic organization …
Jenna Kenney’s Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) journey began two years ago when she met fellow LETR volunteer, Tijana Lakovic, who introduced her to the organization. “I had such a great experience meeting other people throughout different law enforcement agencies, and participating in a rewarding experience for both myself and others that I was eager to get myself involved in other opportunities,” said Jenna. After being introduced to LETR’s …
Special Olympics Canada has once again partnered with Tim Hortons to create the limited edition #ChoosetoInclude Donut, available from January 28-30. 100% of the proceeds from sales of the donut will go directly to local Special Olympics community programs.
