Across the Golden State, staff from all areas of CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) carried the Flame of Hope torch to raise money for Special Olympics.
The following are just some of the institutions, divisions, or programs who participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run 2024.
CDCR Secretary attends Special Olympics Torch Run ceremony
CDCR and CCHCS staff volunteers laced their running shoes and carried the Flame of Hope to a ceremony at the Sacramento Capitol on June 24, kicking off the Summer Games of the Special Olympics of Northern California.
Photos by Ike Dodson, Public Information Officer II, CCHCS
San Quentin runners carry torch over Golden Gate Bridge
San Quentin Facility Capt. Z. Robberecht, who has been participating in the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser since 2016, wanted to get more involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run. After pitching the idea to Warden Chance Andes and Chief Deputy Warden Oak Smith, who is an avid runner, they agreed to participate.
San Quentin’s runners started their 13.2 mile run at the Central Marin Police Department at 2:15 p.m. CDW Smith and Robberecht joined forces with Marin and Sausalito police departments on the route, meeting the San Quentin team at the last check point at the Golden Gate Bridge.
“When Chief Smith and I were at mile 12 tackling the steep hills in Sausalito, it was very challenging. It was great to see roughly 30 of our CRT members and administrative staff waiting for us and cheering us on. They carried us on our last leg, and motived the team to get a second wind which pushed us to the finish line,” said Robberecht.
Barragan said he was honored to take part in the run.
“What an experience to be part of such an amazing team and raise funds for a good cause,” he said. “This was a win for San Quentin and CDCR. The camaraderie within the law enforcement community is strong. Running across the Golden Gate Bridge was surreal. I love this job.”
Officer B. Brooks is a 13-year veteran who serves as a squad leader for the San Quentin CRT.
“It was an honor to run the last leg of the NorCal Torch Run to support Special Olympics across a historical landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge. As a CRT member, we depend on each individual team member and every experience we have together to solidify the foundation as one family. I believe this event did that for us,” Brooks said. “Carrying the torch, passing it to one another and seeing the determination in everyone’s eyes to finish for a cause bigger than all of us, showed togetherness, and perseverance. Glad we showed up and showed out as a family.”
CDW Smith said it is an honor to serve the community.
“One of the most impacting things I do, one of the ways I ascribe meaning to my life and career, is to serve people who are vulnerable. To have the honor of running with multiple agencies in this year’s torch run was definitely an outward proclamation of my devotion to the God I serve, my family, and the community,” Smith said.
The group completed their run at 5:30 p.m., passing the torch to the San Francisco Police Department.
“I have been participating in events like the polar plunge and torch run for several years to support the Special Olympics. This year was one of the most meaningful for two reasons,” said Warden Andes. “First is the amazing San Quentin team’s participation and support. Second is the opportunity to carry the torch over the Golden Gate Bridge. This event brings people together for an amazing purpose.”
Through fundraisers held earlier in the year, San Quentin raised over $3,600 for the cause.
Submitted by Lt. G. Berry
CMF picks up torch from Vacaville Police Department
The California Medical Facility (CMF) participated in the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run to support the Special Olympics of Northern California. The Vacaville Police Department passed the torch to Team CMF at the police station. CMF team members then ran 4 miles to pass the torch to California State Prison, Solano, at CMF’s front entrance. CMF also raised $2,115 to support SONC.
Submitted by Lt. P. Gonzalez
Photo by Revinia Libatique, nursing coordinator
CMF hands off torch to CSP-Solano
Solano County law enforcement agencies raised funds and awareness for Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) by participating in the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run.
California Medical Facility (CMF) handed the Special Olympic torch off to California State Prison (CSP) Solano at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 24. Solano staff transported the torch from the CMF front gates to the CSP-Solano front gates. They then passed the Torch to Travis Air Force Base runners. The Solano incarcerated population also raised over $10,000 for the cause.
Submitted by acting Capt. J. Guerrero, CSP-Solano
Pelican Bay staff join in Del Norte County torch run
The Special Olympics Northern California Del Norte teams carried the Flame of Hope from the parking lot of Ocean World to the Crescent City area California Highway Patrol office.
During the run, teams made an intermediate stop at the Del Norte Sheriff’s Office.
Teams of runners from Pelican Bay State Prison, Del Norte Sheriff, Crescent City Police, and CHP, along with families, supporters, and Special Olympic athletes, carried the torch to bring awareness and raise funds for the Special Olympics.
Submitted by Lt. S. Leon
High Desert State Prison runs for Special Olympics
High Desert State Prison staff gathered June 17 to participate in the third annual Lassen County Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
High Desert joined other law enforcement agencies in the run for a good cause.
The run began with an opening ceremony with organizers thanking those who participated.
Warden St. Andre presented a donation check totaling over $1,200.
The journey began as runners made their way through the streets of Lassen County guided by police escorts and loud cheers from community members. The torch was passed on from special Olympic athlete to special Olympic athlete in relay style.
Submitted by Lt. J. Micone
Central California Women’s Facility runs with the torch
Central California Women’s Facility volunteers ran with the torch as it made its way across the state. The Chowchilla institution joined numerous other law enforcement agencies for the Torch Run.
Submitted by Lt. M. Williams
Valley State Prison carries Special Olympics torch
Valley State Prison (VSP) staff proudly participated in the 2024 Northern California Special Olympics torch run, exemplifying their commitment to community and athletic spirit. Five enthusiastic VSP staff members joined forces to support this inspiring event, raising $1,102.
The Community Resource Office, along with the use of force coordinator, collaborated with the Madera Probation Department to set up the halfway point water booth, finish line, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.
VSP staff ran two legs of the torch run, totaling 3.8 miles in Madera and Chowchilla.
They were joined by colleagues from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Madera Police Department, Madera Probation, Chowchilla Police Department, California Highway Patrol and CDCR Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) staff.
“Participating in the Special Olympics torch run was an incredibly positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. It was wonderful to see our staff come together with other local agencies to support such a meaningful cause,” according to a statement from the Community Resource Office. “The camaraderie and community spirit were truly uplifting.”
Submitted by Lt. H. Gastelum
CHCF carries torch in Tracy
The California Health Care Facility (CHCF) employee team, CHCF Guardians, participated in a 5-mile trek from the shuttered Deuel Vocational Institution to the Tracy Police Department. The relay leg was one of many taken to carry the Flame of Hope to the 2024 Special Olympic Summer Games.
The 34 runners and bicycle riders consisted of custody and non-custody staff members. CHCF employees raised over $5,900 for the Special Olympics.
Submitted by Lt. M. Orozco
Sierra Conservation Center runs in Sonora
On June 18, Sierra Conservation Center staff joined Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department, Sonora Police Department and California Highway Patrol of Sonora to escort the Special Olympics Flame of Hope torch on its journey to the 2024 Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games. Sierra Conservation Center staff from various classifications ran from the Red Church on Washington Street onto Stockton Road to the Motherlode Fairgrounds. Collectively, staff raised $2,649.
Submitted by Lt. R.S. Jauregui
CRC raises $7,000 for Special Olympics
California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) continually aims to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Southern California by participating in the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Dozens of CRC staff ran 2.5 miles carrying the Flame of Hope through the community of Norco. In addition to proceeds raised from participating in the run, a food sale for the incarcerated population at CRC helped present Special Olympics Southern California with a donation of almost $7,000.
Submitted by G. Harrison, Community Resource Manager
CIM runs for Special Olympics Southern California
California Institution for Men (CIM) participated in the Southern California Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run with a total of 24 runners from custody and non-custody. They ran side by side with Chino Police Department, completing a 4.3-mile run. CIM staff raised $6,200 for this year’s Special Olympics through Tip-a-Cop fundraisers at Roscoe’s Deli and BJ’s Brewhouse. The incarcerated population raised an additional $2,242 from food sales. According to organizers, the generosity was unparalleled, and the turnout was amazing.
Submitted by Lt. P. Ybarra
El Monte District parole runs through Irvine
Parole agents from the El Monte District and other members of the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) ran through the streets of Irvine in the Law Enforcement Torch Run May 30.
The route took them through various neighborhoods, where residents cheered them on, adding to the festive and supportive atmosphere. In an unprecedented show of unity, DAPO agents agreed to run an additional leg to assist law enforcement partners who were unable to attend.
DAPO team’s willingness to go the extra mile exemplified the true spirit of the torch run and highlighted the sense of community and commitment among law enforcement.
Unit Supervisor Robles, a seasoned runner, said this event was a unique experience for him, as it was his first time running for a cause.
Overall, the agents raised over $3,600.
Submitted by Parole Administrator Melanie Reyes and Unit Supervisor Jorge Robles
Round-up compiled by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
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