For 29 years, the Cornwall Community Police Service (CCPS) has been participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of the Special Olympics.
On Wednesday, May 17 officers of the CCPS were out again in the community in support of this important cause. This year, they raised about $30,000.
“From my perspective, the LETR is the ‘best of what we do’,” said Officer Brian Snyder. “I’ve learned that the Special Olympics athletes are the true heroes in the relationship with Law Enforcement. Their courage rivals any risks that we (police) might take – these athletes are the bravest people that I have ever encountered. They remind me that there is hope. They remind me that there are truly good people that we serve.”
Over the 29 years that the CCPS has participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run they have raised between 2.5 to 3 million dollars, Snyder estimates.
“In 1996 Cornwall Police were the first police organization to host and sponsor games,” Snyder said. “We raised more than $800,000.00 that year. First time in the history of Ontario Special Olympics that the games were completely paid by the sponsoring organization. Our legacy is that from that point forward police service have been hosting games and all have been totally paid for by sponsorships. Previous to that Special Olympics always had to chip in money to ensure the games’ success.”
