Ferguson Township Police Officers Partake in Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) & Torch Lighting at Pennsylvania Special Olympics

The 2022 Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games were held at Penn State University from June 02 - June 04, 2022.
Sgt. Hendrick Torch Lighting
Sgt. Hendrick at the Torch Lighting w/ Jordan, PA Special Olympics Torch Lighting Designee

The 2022 Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games kicked off on Thursday, June 02 at Penn State, and Ferguson Township Police Officers were participants in multiple events to kickoff the event.

Sgt. Ryan Hendrick, along with other officers in the Ferguson Township Police Department, participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for the Pennsylvania Special Olympics. Each year the torch is lit in Pittsburgh and run to State College by Law Enforcement Officers from across the Commonwealth. The Torch Run was created with the purpose to raise funds toward corporate sponsorships, coordinating third party events, and hosting unique fundraising events such the Polar Plunge, Beaver Stadium Run, Torch Runs and other fundraising events, according the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania webpage.

When asked about this experience and relationship with the Pennsylvania Special Olympics, Sgt. Hendrick stated:

"I have been involved in the Special Olympics Torch Run for over 15 years and look forward to the event each year. These amazing athletes have such a positive and optimistic look on life, and work so hard at whatever they do. Each and every one of us could learn something from these athletes. Law Enforcement and Special Olympics have a partnership like no other, and I consider myself lucky to be involved with such amazing and truly special athletes!"

Officers Cherese Greene, Bryan Greene, and Derek Hoover also participated in the Special Olympics by joining the torch run from the Nittany Shrine into Pegula Arena on Penn State's campus, and attended the torch lighting with Sgt. Hendrick as well.

Torch and Flag Carrying by Ferguson Twp Officers
Officers Bryan Greene, Cherese Greene, Derek Hoover, and Sgt. Hendrick run in LETR on May 12, 2022
(Photo Credit: Abby Drey, Centre Daily Times, adrey@centredaily.com

In addition to participating in the LETR, Sgt. Hendrick had the honor of attending the Flame of Hope and  the Lighting of the Cauldron ceremony on opening day.

Ferguson Township appreciates the participating of our law enforcement officers every year for this event and giving back to the community. Centrice Martin, Ferguson Township Manager, stated on Sgt. Hendrick's participation:

"I am proud of Sgt. Hendrick for his commitment and hard work as a member of the Ferguson Township Police Department, but even moreso, his passion and dedication to serving the community is aspiring and extends beyond the job."

The Pennsylvania Special Olympics were held June 2 - June 4, 2022. Results and materials relating to the event can be found here.

The National Special Olympics are taking place in Orlando, FL beginning on June 5, 2022. Special Olympics Pennsylvania will be sending 122 athletes and 34 coaches to the USA Games.