2016 Law Enforcement Torch Run Handbook

2016
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Handbook
Table of Contents
1. Message from Torch Run Directors
2. LETR International Fact Sheet
3. LETR Connecticut Fact Sheet
4. Route Map
5. Torch Run Council
6. Torch Run Committees
7. SOCT Contacts
8. Run Safety
9. Crisis Intervention Plan
10. Leadership Opportunities
11. Fundraising Opportunities
12. 2016 LETR International Conference
13. Sponsors
14. Social Media
A Message From Your LETR Directors
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
Connecticut is to raise funds and awareness of the Special Olympics
movement. Special Olympics is a program which reaffirms our beliefs that with
hope and dedication, we can see achievement and self-worth realized by any
individual. It is our belief that people with cognitive disabilities, by their
involvement in Special Olympics, can show the community at large that there
are no limits to human potential or the human spirit.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots
fundraising public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics and is a year-round
commitment made by law enforcement officers to raise funds for and
awareness of Special Olympics. It has raised $52 million for Special Olympics
Programs around the world in 2015. It has become our priority within the law
enforcement community and a source of pride within our profession. Officers
assist throughout the year at various competitions. We encourage you to come
out at present awards at any of the events. We are the “Guardians of the
Flame of Hope”.
We would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication during
this past year. We look forward to continuing to work with everyone in 2015 to
make this an even better year! It is through your dedication that helps allow
Special Olympics to raise awareness and funds for people with intellectual
disabilities.
We encourage you not only to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run
and its various fundraising events, but to also participate in any of the Special
Olympics games throughout our state.
Let’s keep the momentum going in 2016!
Todd Pelazza, Director of Public Safety, Fairfield University
Lt. Don Crabtree, Wethersfield Police Department
(Ret.) Captain Joseph Carlone, Department of Correction
Law Enforcement International Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics began in 1981
in Kansas as a vision of Chief Richard LaMunyon, a local police chief
who wanted to give his officers an opportunity to participate in
something positive

The International Association of Chiefs of Police is the founding law
enforcement organization of the Law Enforcement Torch Run

Largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle

In 2015, over $52 million was raised for Special Olympics. Since it’s
inception over $500 million has been raised

Over 85,000 LETR volunteers participate across 35 nations and 12
Canadian provinces and 50 US states

For World and National Games, officers are chosen to run in the Final Leg and represent nations from around the world

Past Final Legs have been held in Indiana, Nevada, Minnesota, Austria, Connecticut, Toronto, North Carolina, Alaska, Ireland, Japan,
China, Idaho, Greece, South Korea, New Jersey and California
For more information on the International Law Enforcement Torch Run
visit www.letr.org
LETR Connecticut Fact Sheet
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
Connecticut is to raise funds and awareness of the Special Olympics
movement. Special Olympics is a program which reaffirms our beliefs
that with hope and dedication, we can see achievement and self-worth
realized by any individual. It is our belief that persons with cognitive
disabilities, by their involvement in Special Olympics, show the community at large there are no limits to human potential or the human spirit.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1986 in Connecticut

The Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run is a year-round program with events that include: the 3 Day Torch Run leading into the
State Summer Games, June 8-10, 2016. On June 10, 2016, the Final
Leg of the run will converge at Southern Connecticut State University, the site of the annual Summer Games.

In 2015 Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run program raised
over $520,000
2016 Torch Run Council
Honorary Chairmen
Lt. Paul Vance
Connecticut State Police
Chief Joe Dooley
Southern Connecticut State University
Law Enforcement Torch Run Co-Directors
Director of Public Safety, Todd Pelazza, Fairfield University
Lieutenant Don Crabtree, Wethersfield PD
Assistant Director
(Ret.) Captain Joseph Carlone, Connecticut Department of Correction
State Torch Run Liaison
Lisa Carlone
Special Olympics Connecticut President
Beau Doherty
CSP Liaison
TFC Carlo Guerra
Department of Correction Liaison
Deputy Warden Danielle Borges, MYI
University and College Liaisons
Lieutenant Tom Madera, Eastern Connecticut State University
Sergeant Rob Didato, Fairfield University
Council Members
Chief Paul Melanson
Farmington Police Department
Lieutenant Kelly Walsh
Avon Police Department
Special Agent Ron Littell
South Windsor Police Department
Sergeant Joe Race
Madison Police Department
Detective Sergeant Tim Bernier
Guilford Police Department
Detective Nikki Mordasiewicz
Hartford Police Department
Officer Abbey Pantani
Southern Connecticut State University
Torch Run Council Committees
1. Affiliates
Chair: Lt. Tom Madera, ECSU PD
Committee Description
Identify associations, organizations, and groups in Connecticut that have a connection with
law enforcement. Encourage each group to participate in and support Torch Run activities
and Special Olympics. Coordinate LETR/SO’s presence at the CPCA Expo in April.
2. Communications
Chair: Sgt. Joe Race, Madison PD
Committee Description
Working in conjunction with SOCT, develop and maintain communications strategies to
enhance the level of knowledge and understanding of LETR activities through various
means including the newsletter, LETR page on the website and social media platforms.
3. Marketing & Development
Chair: Sgt. Rob Didato, Fairfield University
Committee Description
Work with staff to identify, develop and cultivate sponsors and fundraising ideas that will
assist departments. Collaborate with SOCT staff to make presentation to potential
sponsors.
Torch Run Council Committees
4. Policies & Procedures
Chair: Danielle Borges, Deputy Warden, Manson Youth Institute
Committee Description
Responsible for updating and maintaining policies and procedures, in conjunction with
SOCT, for Torch Run council. To include, organizational structure, branding guidelines,
conference selection guidelines and final leg selection guidelines.
5. Awards & Recognition
Chair: Special Agent Ron Littell, South Windsor PD
Committee Description
Develop a plan to recognize LETR members/departments and donors for their
contributions throughout the year. This is an addition to the awards that are presented at
the annual meeting.
6. Recruitment
Chair: Lt. Kelly Walsh, Avon PD
Committee Description
Develop a plan to recruit new members to LETR. The plan should include a short
presentation to be used by all council and SOCT staff when speaking to a new department
or a potential town captain. Securing presentations at police academy and/or other venues.
If you are interested in working on one of the torch run council committees, please
contact the Chairperson or your SOCT liaison.
SOCT Contacts
Statewide Torch Run Liaison
Lisa Carlone
lisac@soct.org
203-230-1201 x231
Fax: 203-230-1202
LETR Liaisons
Sharon Pelkey
sharp@soct.org
(203) 230-1201 x264
Fax: 203-230-1202
Jackie Turro
jackiet@soct.org
(203) 230-1201 x265
Fax: 203-230-1202
LETR Coordinator
Jeff Veneziano
jeffreyv@soct.org
(203) 230-1201 x270
Special Olympics Connecticut
2666 State Street, Suite 1
Hamden, CT 06517
Run Safety
The runner’s safety is of the utmost importance during the run. Please
watch for tired runners and direct them off the running surface or into
a trail vehicle. The pace must be maintained at 11 minutes per mile.
1) No children or children in strollers will be allowed to run NO
EXCEPTIONS!
1) No participants will be allowed to use roller blades or bicycles. Only
Law Enforcement on bicycle patrol assisting in the safety of the run
will be allowed.
2) Walkers cannot be accommodated during the run.
3) Runners must maintain an eleven (11) minute mile pace to ensure
the proper coordination and timing of the Torch Run.
4) Tired runners will not be allowed to ride on the support vehicle (pickup truck w/ Torch supplies etc.) but must get into a trail vehicle
provided by the local department.
5) Runners must never run ahead of the support vehicle (pick-up truck)
nor should they fall behind the trail vehicle (CSP vehicle).
6) If tired and unable to maintain pace, runners must move off the
roadway onto the sideway or similar surface. Runners can complete the
run but must do so out of harm’s way. Motorcade will continue
maintaining the pace.
7) NO ALCOHOL or intoxicated persons will be allowed to be part of
the Torch Run.
8) Remember, the safety of the runners is of the utmost importance to
ensure a successful Torch Run.
Anyone NOT abiding by these rules will be asked to leave the run.
Crisis Intervention Plan
The following is the Crisis Intervention Plan for any emergency during a torch run event for
Special Olympics Connecticut. Representatives from LETR and the SOCT torch run liaison will
determine if the situation is an emergency and, they will determine if a command center
needs to be activated.
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
(Determines if there is a true crisis)
Lisa Carlone, State Torch Run Liaison
Director of Public Safety Todd Pelazza, Torch Run Director
Lieutenant Don Crabtree, Torch Run Director
(Ret.) Captain Joe Carlone, Asst. Torch Run Director
SOCT Emergency #
Cell # (203) 829-3672
Cell # (203) 395-5677
Cell # (860) 462-4813
Cell # (860) 221-5031
(203) 230-1201 x275
Active Crisis Management Team
(Implement crisis management / communications plan)
Lisa Carlone, State Torch Run Liaison
Director of Public Safety Todd Pelazza, Torch Run Director
Lieutenant Don Crabtree, Torch Run Director
(Ret.) Captain Joe Carlone, Asst. Director of the Torch Run
Debbie Horne, Director of Communications
Beau Doherty, President
Mike Mason, Sr. VP / CFO
Sergeant Joe Race, Madison Police Department
Cell # (203) 829-3672
Cell # (203) 395-5677
Cell # (860) 462-4813
Cell # (860) 221-5031
Cell # (203) 889-6002
Cell # (203) 640-1632
Cell # (860) 307-6638
Cell # (203) 410-7630
Actions:
Contact emergency and police services immediately.
Contact crisis intervention team starting with:
Torch Run Liaison, Lisa Carlone (203) 829-3672
If you cannot reach Lisa follow

Co-Torch Run Director – Todd Pelazza

Co-Torch Run Director – Don Crabtree

Assistant Torch Run Director – Joe Carlone

PIO – Sergeant Joe Race/Madison Police Department
If a situation is deemed a potential emergency, an immediate meeting will be called with the
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to activate command center and dispatch resources.
On Scene Operations Coordinator

Evaluate severity

Determine event level criteria (refer to Addendum)

Determine actions to respond
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Determine need for other staff and resources
Crisis Intervention Plan
Incident Commander
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Establish location for command center in consultation with all parties
Obtain continuous updates from Operations Coordinator
Brief all leaders on current situation
Determine corrective actions as needed
Exchange frequent updates with crisis management team as needed
Ensure no statements are released unless issued by command staff at command
center
LETR Event Coordinator
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Continues with existing event
Continue to brief Incident Commander on the status of the event
Inform the Command Center if the media is at any events and a PIO is needed.
Public Information Officer
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Determine affected PIO’s and notify
Gather information related to incident
Draft statement and have approved by CIT
Determine if PIO’s need to have personal at event locations
In collaboration with LETR, LETR designated Public Information Officer and Special
Olympics Connecticut, one statement is created, it will be determined who gives
statement.
Event Level Criteria
Level 1 Monitor
 No immediate danger or emergency exists, but the potential is present
 A minor incident occurs that appears to be a short duration
 The situation is limited in scope and can be managed by the appropriate administration
Level 11 Standby
 The potential danger is real; key personnel should be prepared to react
 The situation has the potential for expanding beyond a limited area
 The situation may continue for an extended duration
 Additional outside resources are needed
Level 111 Emergency
 Personnel are in danger; facilities are at risk
 Immediate action is necessary
 The incident is off property but close enough to affect a facility or involves students
and personnel
 The situation requires the coordination of resources and/or coordination with outside agencies
LETR Leadershp Opportunities
Town Captain Role and Responsibilities
A Town Captain must be a law enforcement officer working within the agency/department in which they
will represent. They must be willing to fulfill the responsibilities of the town captain and maintain
enthusiasm for Special Olympics Connecticut.
Responsibilities:

Attend Kickoff and annual meeting, maintain regular contact with the Leg Coordinator and
recruit runners and support staff for day of the run

Fundraise within your town by organizing and planning events such as tip a cops, cop on tops,
shirt and adopt a mile sales

Communicate with Leg Coordinator prior to the day of your run with approximate number of
runners participating
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If your route is long and you have numerous officers participating, encourage officers to spread
out along the route to avoid large gaps between runners

Reinforce that officers running must be able to obtain an 11 minute mile pace
(Spreading out officers may be useful)

Secure a support vehicle to pick up slow runners
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Ordering and distribution of the runner t-shirts
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Collect waiver forms and turn over all pledge donations and waivers to SOCT
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Reinforce and educate officers on the use of the pledge form and the cost of the T-Shirt
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Liaise with assigned SOCT coordinator on all fundraising efforts
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Verify route within town with Leg Coordinator and /or Routes Coordinator. Notify leg coordinator of any traffic or construction issues as soon as possible.

Encourage and recruit runners for the Final Leg run on Day 3 of the Torch Run, to include all
levels of rank. This takes place at Southern CT State University – Jess Dow Field

Optional suggestions, not mandatory
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Organize for your local high school track team to participate (Run with the Law)
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Organize with schools along your route to come out and support the runners
IF YOU ARE A NEW DEPARTMENT AND NEED SOME HELP GETTING STARTED—THE TORCH RUN
COUNCIL WILL COME OUT AND WORK YOUR EVENT WITH YOU AND GET YOU GOING!
LETR Involvement Opportunities
Leg Coordinator Roles and Responsibilities
Must be a law enforcement officer with strong leadership skills and experience in both managing and
motivating people. Also must have prior experience and involvement as a Law Enforcement Town
Captain.
Responsibilities:

Carry out the mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut
within a designated geographic area
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Act as a liaison with the Torch Run Council and SOCT coordinator to ensure that I
information is passed from all Agency/Department Town Captains within their leg

Responsible for all supplies for the day of the run. Organize truck, driver, staff, and
supplies for entire day of the leg. This includes coordinating lunch sponsor and location
 Please keep in mind lunch is for those who are working and NOT for the runners
unless your run takes place before and after lunch by the same department/
town.

The Leg Coordinator must be available to participate for the entire day of his/her leg
including set up and clean up
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Recruit a Co-leg coordinator
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Secure truck, driver and volunteers to provide support for the truck - Ideally you have at
least three individuals including yourself: Driver, you and a co-coordinator

Schedule regular Leg Meetings for Town Captains and SOCT Representatives in your Leg

Attend annual LETR Kickoff and all Leg Coordinator meetings (Mandatory for you or your
co-coordinator)
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Meet with Town Captains within Leg to review their responsibilities for the year with them
– this can be done via conference calls or group emails if meeting is not feasible
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Maintain regular contact with your Town Captains, encouraging fundraising, runner
recruitment and assisting as needed (reinforce waiver and paying for T-Shirt)
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Maintain regular communication with the Torch Run Committee
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Leg coordinators should make efforts to attend the final leg at the summer games and
encourage town captains to do the same
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MUST understand and abide by all safety regulations, i.e. no runner to pass truck,
large gaps between runners, lighting of torches, running with athletes, etc.
Additional Opportunities

Encourage your fellow officers to participate in the Torch Run. Run in your local
torch run leg.

Encourage your fellow officers to participate in current special events and
fundraising for your area. Get a team together for your local golf tournament,
Penguin Plunges, Over The Edge or other Special Olympics fundraising events

Use the Torch Run as a leadership training tool. By giving officers the opportunity to
organize and run Torch Run events, you give them a chance to develop or enhance
their leadership and management skills.

Invite athletes to speak at your department meetings. Through its Athlete
Leadership Programs and Global Messenger initiative, Special Olympics trains
athletes to be public speakers. Hearing an athlete speak will give officers a better
understanding of Special Olympics.

Bring officers to local Special Olympics Games to award medals and see the
athletes compete. Close personal contact with the athletes during a competition
is the best way to motivate officers to become more involved in Special Olympics.

Encourage officers to become Unified Sports®Partners. Special Olympics Unified
Sports brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and
compete on the same teams.

Encourage officers to become coaches. Help Special Olympics athletes reach
their potential through sports by teaching them the skills they need to compete and
win.
Fundraising Opportunities
1. Tip A Cop
Overview:
The goal of the Tip-a-Cop program is to collect as many donations as possible through “tips.”
Police Officers assist with waiting tables at a restaurant and collect “tip” donations for
Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT).
Choosing a Location:
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Find a restaurant with a family friendly atmosphere
Quick turnover of the tables can give you better results
Many large chain restaurants already support the Tip-a-Cop program such as Chili’s,
Applebee’s, Dunkin’ Donuts and many more
Ask the restaurant where your crew eats, that way you already know the people
Choosing a Date:
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Thursday, Friday and Saturday are popular nights to eat out
Avoid Major Holidays – too much already going on
Make sure local schools or other community groups do not have conflicting events
(i.e.. Graduation, concerts, football game, Homecoming, competing fundraisers)
Recruiting Volunteers:
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Distribute flyers throughout your agency
Send out an all employees email
Your PIO really comes in handy here- put them to work
Get the rookies involved
The more officers, the better
You can always ask SOCT to find an Athlete to help out
Marketing:
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Contact SOCT for flyers, posters and press release
Post flyer on your Facebook, around town, etc.
Supplies:
Your SOCT Rep will provide the following:
 Banners
 Merchandise for Sale
 Table Tops
 Posters
 Aprons
 Collection envelopes
Fundraising Opportunities
2. Adopt-A-Mile & Adopt-A-Town
Event Overview:
Officers contact local businesses and ask them to purchase an Adopt-A-Mile sign for $100.00
which will then be placed along the Torch Run route in their town. We have now added
another level to this program, Adopt-A-Town. For $500 a business, organization or individual
will receive 6 Adopt-A-Town signs to place throughout the town.
How to:
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Send a mailing to local businesses in your town. Your SOCT liaison can you help write
and mail letters.
Go door to door and talk with the local businesses– being personal with the
business goes far!
Ask friends or family to Adopt-A-Mile
Thank You:
Once the run is complete you can collect the signs from the route and present to the business owner for them to display if they choose to do so. It is important to thank them for
their donation in some way.
3. Dollar Drop
Event Overview:
Law enforcement officers, local PD’s, correctional officers, state troopers, etc., collect donations from customers and the general public at a pre-determined intersection/location in
their town/city. These officers collect donations in buckets for a pre-determined amount of
time during the day.
Getting Started:
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Identify location (customer traffic, hours of operation, nearby restaurant,/facilities
should be considered).
Determine time of event and number of officers needed
Best to use two per area
SOCT will supply sandwich boards for the street and buckets for collections.
Fundraising Opportunities
4. Cop-On-Top
Event Overview:
Law enforcement officers, local PD’s, correctional officers, state troopers, etc., collect
donations from customers and the general public as they are perched on the rooftops of
a building. These personnel “cannot” come off the roof for a certain number of hours/
days or until the fundraising goal has been reached. This fundraising approach was first
adopted in July 2005 and was the first of its kind in Connecticut—the first two events
raised over $10,000.
Getting Started:
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Identify venue (location, customer traffic, type of venue, hours of operation, rooftop
access and architecture should be considered)
 Outdoor village-style malls, stand-alone or anchor stores in strip-style malls
 Restaurants (24-hour restaurants are handy—i.e. Dunkin Donuts)
 Indoor malls (although officer will be on top of a cherry picker-style crane)
Secure permission from building landlord and date
Once permission is granted, contact SOCT and arrange a meeting with the owner/
managers
Develop a list of support needs from SOCT and venue owners/managers
Act as liaison between venue owner/managers/marketing staffs and local
businesses, organizations and individuals that could sponsor, donate food, in-kind
gifts, etc
Communicate with SOCT staff on all event logistics i.e. supplies, volunteers, PR
Recruit law enforcement personnel to staff the rooftops and venue ground level.
Secure safe and proper arrangements for themselves and law enforcement staffs for
their rooftop stay
MAKE INQUIRY OR INTENTION TO ORGANIZE A COP ON TOP EVENT TO SOCT STAFF
10 TO 12 WEEKS BEFORE INTENDED EVENT
How Cop-On-Top Raises Money:
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Promote SOCT merchandise giveaways
Work the venue patrons through PA systems or bullhorns
Garner “pledges per hour” before the event
Solicit donations from local area businesses (works especially well if venue is located
in a strip center, mall or village shopping area)
Acquire sponsorships for the event
Make cell calls from the rooftop to local individuals and business leaders asking for
gifts or pledges
Work with venue owners and managers to create giving incentives: matching gifts
agreement, donation per item sold, discounts, coupons, etc. These methods increase
visitors and business for venue while generating funds for SOCT.
For more information on any of these events, contact your SOCT liaison.
Fundraising Opportunities
Participate in existing SOCT events:
Over The Edge at Mohegan Sun - Sept 9, 2016:
Imagine the rush of rappelling down the face of one of Connecticut’s most recognizable
buildings! In 2016, your department has an opportunity to be part of Over the Edge, a
unique, heart pounding local event, which is certain to draw statewide media attention,
dozens of participants and plenty of curious spectators.
Participants must raise a minimum of $1,000 to participate in Over the Edge.
Penguin Plunges:
Don't miss the “coolest” event of the year and the opportunity to run, jump or dive into
the chilly waters of Connecticut— all for Special Olympics Connecticut athletes!
For all plunge dates and to register, visit www.soct.org
For a complete list of events view our online calendar at:
http://www.soct.org/calendar/
For more information on any of these events, contact your SOCT liaison.
2016 International Conference
Phoenix, Arizona
September 14-18 (includes travel days)
The conference will be held in Phoenix, Arizona September 14-18 this includes travel days. This
will be an exciting conference and while we would love to send everyone to New Orleans, we just
don’t have the means to do so. However, the conference is open to active LETR members, their
spouse and/or guest who would like to cover their own costs to attend.
There are three ways to attend the conference in 2016
1. Torch run members will be selected based on the following criteria and SOCT will cover all
expenses to the conference.
 Fundraising totals and year to year growth
 Individual’s potential to raise awareness and funds in the future
 Overall involvement with the torch run program
 The same individual or agency cannot attend the conference more than 2 years in a row
unless they choose to cover their own costs and they are approved to attend.
2. Torch run members will be selected based on the above criteria and SOCT will cover partial
expenses to include:
Conference registration fees
$370.00
Region1 dinner
$40.00
Apparel Item
$35.00 - $50.00
Attendee or their department will cover these additional expenses:
 Roundtrip airfare (SOCT will make the arrangements if desired)
(estimated costs below)
 Hotel Accommodations double or single occupancy for 4 nights
(estimated costs below)
3. Active Torch run members, who are not selected, their spouses and/or guest, who would like
to attend may do so if they want to cover their own costs for the conference. However,
anyone wanting to attend the conference must first be approved by SOCT and LETR Board
to insure we are not impacting agencies or departments.
Special Olympics Connecticut will make all arrangements for attendees, including airfare, hotel
accommodations and conference registration, this also applies to those who are covering their
own costs. Connecticut attends the conference as a group so we prefer to keep everyone in the
same hotel and on the same flights if possible.
Airfare
Hotel
Registration Fees
Region 1 Dinner
$400.00 (approximate)
$350.00 (per person)
$370.00
$40.00
If you are interested in attending the conference please let you SOCT liaison know by
April 1, 2016.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Social Media
Follow our social media pages for
event information, pictures and
much more!
Facebook.com/CTLETR
@CTLETR
Facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsCT
@SOCTConnecticut
@SpecialOympicsCT
Youtube.com/SpecialOympicsCT
For more information and helpful resources
visit us online at
www.soct.org
www.letr.org