Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
Who We Are
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known honorably as Guardians of the Flame® law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. Annually, more than 97,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the Flame of Hope, symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.
What We Do
The LETR for Special Olympics engages law enforcement worldwide championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities. Over the years the Torch Run has evolved and now encompasses a variety of innovative fundraising platforms to include Plane Pulls, Polar Plunges, Tip-A-Cops, and more. Since inception, LETR has raised more than half a billion dollars and changed millions of attitudes worldwide.
Get Involved
Ken Davis Unsung Hero Award Recipients
Each year, a special law enforcement volunteer is honored with the Ken Davis Unsung Hero Award. The award is given annually to a member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) community who exemplifies the standards set by the late Ken Davis for community service and dedication to the mission of Special Olympics Oregon. The Ken David Unsung Hero Award is a recognition of outstanding efforts of someone who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to Special Olympics Oregon for at least two years and has shown a continued dedication to our athletes.
2026 Winner: Officer Drew Boggs with Lake Oswego Police Department
Drew has been a supporter of Special Olympics Oregon in the Law Enforcement Torch Run Community since 2010. He is an active member of the LETR Council and is the Clackamas County Region representative. He leads the charge in recruiting his fellow LOPD officers to participate in the Polar Plunge each year. Drew challenged himself this year to join the Super Plunge team. He raised $3,000 and completed 24 polar plunges in 24 hours! He has taken on being one of the primary coordinators over the last several years for the Torch Run Leg that combines agencies in the Washington and Clackamas County area. Drew keeps tackling more and is always willing to dig in deeper in his commitment to LETR, SOOR, the athletes and the mission.
Tip-A-Cop events are fundraisers organized in collaboration with The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics Oregon, Local Programs and participating restaurants.
In this event, Law Enforcement Officers volunteer their time as “Celebrity Waiters” in restaurants and receive tips to raise funds for Special Olympics Oregon. Special Olympics Oregon athletes and teams are encouraged to also volunteer as door greeters, to meet and greet with the customers and explain this fundraising opportunity.
Tip-A-Cop events generate tremendous community goodwill and public awareness for Law Enforcement and Special Olympics Oregon. It allows LETR volunteers to involve their families and colleagues in a fundraiser for Special Olympics Oregon as well as Special Olympics Oregon athletes and volunteers.