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BPD Takes Part in Law Enforcement Torch Run

Two BPD officers joined other local cops to run in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness event for Special Olympics Programs around the world. Annually, the day raises over $30 million dollars. More then 85,000 officers from 36 nations take part in the run.

BPD’s Sergeant Larry Lampman and Officer Pleiss ran four miles up 84th street in Papillion. This is Officer Pleiss’ first year running the torch run. He said he ran because it was a chance to be a part of the law enforcement support group for Special Olympics which he says is an important cause. He added, "these kids deserve to be recognized for the effort they put forth to be in the Olympics. They train like anyone else would and probably give it more effort."

The first Law Enforcment Torch Run was held in Wichita, Kansas in 1981. Nebraska’s Law Enforcement agencies joined the effort in 1985. Since then over $2.3 million has been raised for Nebraska athletes alone. The run began at the Scottsbluff Monument and ended at the Summer Games Opening Ceremonies at Creighton University in Omaha.

Photo: Officer Pleiss and Sergeant Lampman running up 84th Street.