A group of Salina area law enforcement officers teamed up Wednesday to run through the streets of Salina. The Saline County leg of the Special Olympics Torch Run weaved through town Wednesday afternoon.

Saline County Sheriff Deputy Scott Trembley, who organizes the event, tells KSAL News that  runners participated. Officers from the Salina Police Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, state parole office, and court services all participated in the run, along with citizens.

The torch run has come through Salina for at least 20 years. There were over 30 runners participating this year, the largest group that Trembley can remember.

Special Olympics is something that Trembley is passionate about. Along with the Torch Run, he also organizes the local Polar Plunge event. “As law enforcement it is our responsibility to help those who can’t help themselves,” he explained.

The run kicked off with a brief ceremony at the Dairy Queen located at 321 North 9th Street. It wound its way through Salina, ending at Jerry Ivey Park.

The final destination for the torch is Wichita, for the Kansas Special Olympic Summer Games. On Friday June 5th it will arrive at Cessna Stadium to signify the start of a weekend of competition that will challenge more than 1400 athletes.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run, which raises awareness and funds for the Special Olympics, originated in Kansas over 30 years ago. It is in all 50 states and 30 countries around the world.