Police pass the torch June 5
Bourbonnais, IL – The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois will make its way through Kankakee County Wednesday, June 5. Police officers throughout the county will be participating in the intrastate relay. Bourbonnais Police will be passed the Flame of Hope and begin their role as “Guardians of the Flame” beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m. from 9000N Road in Manteno and heading southbound on N. Convent St. (Route 45/52).
Officers will pick up additional runners and bicycle riders at 5000N Rd (formerly 1 Cigna Dr.) and continue south on N. Convent St. to the Olivet Nazarene University ROTC building on S. Main St. in Bourbonnais, with an approximate 3:00 p.m. arrival. The torch will then be passed to City of Kankakee officers to complete the final leg in Kankakee County concluding at Bird Park in Kankakee.
Approximately 3,000 officers carry the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles, running and biking through thousands of Illinois communities to its final destination - the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in Normal, Illinois.
“It’s been a pleasure to have Bourbonnais Police continually participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run,” said Deputy Chief of Police, Dave Anderson. “This will be my 15th year. It’s an excellent event to raise awareness for Special Olympics and another way our officers get involved in the community.”
The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run hosts a variety of annual fundraising events such as the Polar Plunge and Dunkin’ Cop on a Rooftop, which recently took place May 17, at both Bourbonnais Dunkin’ locations.
The Bourbonnais Police Department is pleased to announce, based upon the generosity of officers and the greater community, they were able to raise over $11,000 for Special Olympics Illinois athletes – the second highest total in Bourbonnais history. In 2019, officers raised over $12,000.
“We always appreciate the community coming out and supporting us and this special cause,” stated Bourbonnais Police Sergeant, Jason Sztuba. “Everyone is welcome to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run this Wednesday and can join us officers at the former Cigna building. Spectators are invited and encouraged to cheer on officers and families throughout the route.”
For those who are unable to attend, mark your calendars for a cool event Monday, June 17. Cone with a Cop at Bourbonnais Dairy Queen 121 S. Main St. will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Attendees can chill with officers and enjoy a free small ice cream cone, courtesy of Noble Dairy Queen.
