LETR History
History Of The Law Enforcement Torch Run
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) began in 1981 with Wichita (Kans.) Police Chief Richard LaMunyon. Chief LaMunyon thought the Torch Run would help law enforcement be active in the community and support Special Olympics Kansas. In 1983, he presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). They decided to endorse the LETR and became the “Founding Law Enforcement Organization.”
With the IACP’s support, the LETR became Special Olympics’ largest public awareness and fundraising group. Today, the LETR is in more than 40 countries and has raised in excess of $900 million for Special Olympics worldwide.
Carrying the Flame of Hope
Here in Northern California…
The Special Olympics Northern California LETR began in 1997 and has since raised more than $20 million for local athletes. In 2022, the Northern California LETR celebrated 25 years of supporting Special Olympics.
What started in 1981… as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide.
Retired Chief Richard LaMunyon
LETR Founder
More on LETR for Special Olympics
