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Special Olympics torch takes a run through Stanislaus
special olympics torch run pic1 6-16-18
Thirteen law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes made a trek across Stanislaus County Thursday as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The run raised more than $4,000 for Special Olympics athletes. - photo by Contributed

Local law enforcement members were on the run Thursday morning to support the Special Olympics.

Thirteen law enforcement members ran just under 26 miles from the Merced/Stanislaus county lines to the San Joaquin County line in Ripon with the Special Olympics torch. Five of the participating members ran the entire length of the torch run. They were also joined by Special Olympics athletes.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981, but this was the first time it has been run through Stanislaus County. Law enforcement is a major donor for Special Olympics, having raised more than $600 million for the organization.

Turlock Police Chief Nino Amirfar started the run off with a ceremonial hand-off and lighting of the torch. Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson finished it off by handing it to members of the Ripon Police Department.

The local runners surpassed their fundraising goal of $4,000.

If you would like to donate, you can go to: https://specialolympics.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=5686 or find the team "Heroes of Stanislaus County" on Facebook.