SALINAS VALLEY — Police agencies throughout South Monterey County participated in this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics last Wednesday, each carrying the torch for one mile through each of the four cities.
The ceremonial passage of the Flame of Hope led up to the Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) Summer Games held this past weekend at Santa Clara University.
The Special Olympics’ mission is to support sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 1,000 athletes and coaches participated in the Summer Games in Santa Clara this year.
“Local runs bring awareness and raise funds for the athletes,” said Crystal Sanchez, the Assistant State Director for the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Funds raised by Monterey County agencies totaled $26,000 for this year’s Summer Games. Sanchez said officers donated and collected funds from friends, family and their communities.
“We are honored to continue our support of SONC and join our law enforcement community to raise awareness and fundraise for the amazing athletes that inspire us,” said Greenfield Police Sgt. Jorge Gutierrez. “It is an honor to escort the Flame of Hope and be a torch bearer during the Law Enforcement Torch Run.”
Gonzales Police Department raised $2,000 for the campaign with the help of officers and community members.
“When I met our special education students, I was astounded and inspired by their unwavering dedication to learning and the pure joy they brought to the classroom,” said School Resource Officer Miguel Perez from Gonzales Police Department. “I knew this Torch Run would be the perfect way to celebrate their achievements.”
Soledad Police Department Officer Jesus Trujillo added, “Anytime there’s a charity involved, that’s when I want to be able to give back.”
For some officers, the thrill of seeing community response helped with their local runs through city streets on June 25 as police cruisers escorted the formations.
“Mr. Green from the High School Band and Margie Daniels infused the event with positive energy as they ran to our finish line,” Perez said. “The Gonzales High School football team, with the assistance of Head Coach Eddie and Coach Justin, helped us display the American flags provided by the Gonzales Legion, creating a truly patriotic ambiance.”
During the Soledad run, Trujillo noted that there were “people coming out of their stores, cheering and holding signs. It was motivating.”
“I want to thank the community for coming out of their businesses to cheer us on along the route and for their donations,” said Caitlan Zamudio, Victim Assistance Advocate for Soledad PD. “This year was our record donation, $1,200.”
Zamudio credited going door-to-door to businesses and the use of social media to being helpful with fundraising this year.
King City was the southernmost run in the county, which had five officers, two civilian support staff and personnel from the fire department and city hall participate.
“Several of us have been involved with special needs children in the past and/or have family members involved,” noted King City Police Chief Robert Masterson. “For example, my sister-in-law is a special ed teacher.”
The next run took place north in Greenfield, featuring a total of 14 participants, including seven officers, three non-sworn personnel, members of the Greenfield Fire Department, one individual from the Monterey County Mobile Crisis Team and students from Greenfield High School.
Soledad had four personnel run, along with more than a dozen participants from Salinas Valley State Prison and Correctional Training Facility in Soledad.
Gonzales had 22 runners escort the torch, including participants from the department explorer program and students from Gonzales schools.
Gonzales was the northernmost city in South County before the handoff to California Highway Patrol. Marina was the final city in Monterey County to carry the torch.
Sanchez said two athletes from Salinas were among the Monterey County participants at the Summer Games this year. She also confirmed officers from Greenfield Police Department volunteered to help at the Summer Games.
The Torch Runs included officers accustomed to running and those with less practice.
Among the crowd in Soledad, Trujillo said he used to run six miles a day, but lately runs at least four times a week. Zamudio said the Torch Run was the only time of year she ran a mile. Whether one was fast or slow, there was support from the teams.
“If one person fell back, we would go back to them and run with them to encourage them,” Zamudio said.
“This experience has deeply inspired me to continue this annual event in our city of Gonzales,” Perez added. “However, we recognize that the greatest reward is knowing that the funds we raise will have a profound positive impact on the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities.”
