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Law enforcement agencies in Palm Beach County join annual Torch Run for Special Olympics

Posted at 11:12 AM, Apr 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-25 19:14:56-04

LANTANA, Fla. -- There was a heavy police presence in Lantana Wednesday morning, but officers were not in uniform. Law enforcement agencies from all over Palm Beach County and several state and federal agencies participated in the 35th annualLaw Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

The Special Olympics summer games will take place in Orlando in May. 

The torch run started at Hypoluxo and U.S. 1 in Lantana and ended at the Royal Palm School. 

"The students go crazy for the lights and sirens coming in, the officers running in. The officers get as much out of it coming into the school as the students do and that's why we really love to end there because it reminds everybody why we are doing this in the first place, to bring recognition and support to the Special Olympics," said West Palm Beach Police Chief Sarah Mooney.

Terrence Freelove ran with West Palm Beach police officers for the torch run. Freelove is a student in Palm Beach County and will be competing in the summer games this May. 

"It's an honor. We're supporting the West Palm Beach Police Department and we're supporting Special Olympics," said Freelove, who is also a member of the Palm Beach County Special Olympics team. 

Officers from around the state will kick off the opening ceremony in May by carrying the Flame of Hope into the stadium. 

The torch run helps raise funds to benefit the athletes in the Special Olympics. Money is raised through contributions from businesses and individuals through the sales of torch run t-shirts and caps.