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Law enforcement officers are an interesting bunch.  As a whole, we are competitive, yet compassionate.  We are stern, yet caring.  Proud, yet humble.  We are dedicated and we are committed.  As individuals we have our faults, but collectively we are strong, focused and generous.  We take pride in the fact that we help keep our citizens safe, and the oath we take when we become peace officers typically includes words like: Honor, Integrity, Character, Courage, Accountability and Community.  To that I would add Hope.  We carry the Flame of Hope.  Sometimes it is a glimmer, sometimes it is a powerful fire; but every time the Flame is lit, a spark is involved.  A small bit of focused energy that, combined with the right fuel, ignites and grows.  That is what we hope to accomplish.  To be that spark that ignites the fuel inside every athlete to shine, that spark that allows a family to hope.  This is what we hold high as Keepers of the Flame.

The day to day profession of law enforcement can be quite negative at times, so spending time with our athlete friends allows us to express that side of being a peace officer that we all enjoy seeing and experiencing; the joy of a sincere hug, high-fiving accomplishment, and seeing the world around us as a happy place.  Through this experience we find grounding and we see purpose.  We see the best in each other, as well as ourselves.  Because of this, both we and our families benefit.

When I try to think of one Torch Run defining moment, a rush of memories flood my mind:  seeing an athlete's tears of fear and doubt followed by feeling their absolute sense of accomplishment after broad jumping 2 inches, hearing the legendary story of the runners who stopped to help their fallen competitor cross the finish line together, and handing out medals to event winners.

There are hundreds of vignettes throughout my 12 years of Torch Run events, Special Olympics events, conferences and road trips, but my most recent high was at the MT LETR Kick-Off Conference in Billings, March 2010, when Isaac Baldry not only addressed the conference, but was also later announced as the newest Athlete Ambassador to the MT LETR Executive Council.  Isaac is confined to a wheel chair by cerebral palsy, he speaks through his computer and he struggles with movements.  When the announcement was made, the expression of sheer joy that came across Isaac's face, as well as his mother's face, is almost indescribable.  He was swarmed by officers and other friends and family.  He basked in it.  There seemed to be nothing that could be more important at that moment.  These moments stick with you.

So I encourage you to embrace those moments that define your Torch Run experience.  Pull them out of your memory and share them with you Torch Run colleagues and prospects.  It is wonderful that we raise the money and awareness that we do, but in the end, it really comes down to that personal touch; knowing that what we do really makes a difference, one life at a time.

With Kind Regards,

Lt Jack Allen

Director, Montana Law Enforcement Torch Run