Troopers run for Special Olympics

By CHARITY SMITH

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Wakefield - Members of the Michigan State Police, The Fraternal Order of Police and the Michigan Department of Corrections were joined by members of the community as they ran around Sunday Lake on Monday morning to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics and people with developmental disorders.

The run in Wakefield was one of several smaller, local runs planned by the MSP, FOP and MDC to raise awareness and funds, as three teams of officers conduct a statewide torch run known as the Law Enforcement Torch Run from Copper Harbor to Sterling Heights in metropolitan Detroit. Three 6-8 member teams of officers representing MSP, MDC and FOP started Monday morning in Copper Harbor and are running the 750-mile relay 24/7, with the goal of finishing in the lower peninsula by Friday.

F/Lt. Donald Horn of the MSP-Wakefield Post said he has been involved in the torch run since 1995. He said that he was pleased that all three of his sergeants - James Revor, J.C. Kelly, and Det. Sgt. Glenn Gauthier - all participated in the event.

"I feel that any support we can get will go a long ways with helping those who need it the most. It helps make them feel a part of the community, knowing others are thinking of them and supporting them," said Horn.

In total the event brought in $780. The money will help pay for Special Olympians to participate in the state fall games on Sept. 24-26.

Barb Siira, former area director of Special Olympics, showed up before the run to give a donation and to see the runners, walkers and bikers off. She said she was not able to participate herself this year because she is still recovering from knee replacement surgery, but wanted to support the event.

Other community runs in the U.P. this week include: Tuesday in Iron Mountain, Marquette and Newberry; today in Escanaba; and Thursday in Munising.

For more information go to give.classy.org/runweek2021.