EVENTS
|
VOLUNTEER
DONATE
EVENTS
|
VOLUNTEER
DONATE
LETR Logo
Shop LETR Store
LETR Calendar
LA County Employee Giving Program
Facebook X-twitter Instagram
LETR Logo
Shop LETR Store
LETR Events
LA County Employee Giving Program
Letr CutoutSquare

ABOUT LETR

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern California is the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics with more than 1,200 officers involved in Southern California championing acceptance and inclusion.

ABOUT LETR

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern California is the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics with more than 1,200 officers involved in Southern California championing acceptance and inclusion.
Letr CutoutSquare

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is represented in all 50 U.S. states, Canadian provinces and 46 nations with 97,000 officers around the world.

Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $1 billion dollars since its inception in 1981.

Southern California is one of the leading programs in the world, raising $1.3 million in 2025 with participants representing over 300 law enforcement agencies / stations.

UPCOMING LETR EVENTS

2025 A Very Special BBQ
Sep 27, 2026

2026 A Very Special BBQ

Conejo Creek North Park – Lakeside Pavillion
MORE INFO
SELA Lakewood Softball
Oct 03, 2026

2026 SELA Lakewood Softball Competition

Mayfair Park
MORE INFO
Kern County Softball
Oct 10, 2026

2026 Inland Empire Softball Competition

Big League Dreams Sports Complex
MORE INFO
EXPLORE MORE EVENTS
2025 A Very Special BBQ
Sep 27, 2026

2026 A Very Special BBQ

Conejo Creek North Park – Lakeside Pavillion
MORE INFO
SELA Lakewood Softball
Oct 03, 2026

2026 SELA Lakewood Softball Competition

Mayfair Park
MORE INFO
Kern County Softball
Oct 10, 2026

2026 Inland Empire Softball Competition

Big League Dreams Sports Complex
MORE INFO
Chili Cookoff
Oct 10, 2026

2026 Boots & Badges Chili Cookoff

Jack Bones Equestrian Center
MORE INFO
EXPLORE MORE EVENTS

CONTACT US

Goretti Ortiz
Director, Development
gortiz@sosc.org
805.468.4527
Goretti Ortiz
Director, Development
gortiz@sosc.org
805.468.4527
Goretti Ortiz
Director, Development
gortiz@sosc.org
805.468.4527
Luke Farnell
Senior Director, LETR
lfarnell@sosc.org
562.502.1038
Tami Cobb
Manager, Development
tcobb@sosc.org
661.383.2905
Kelsey McKewen
Manager, Development – LETR
kmckewen@sosc.org
562.502.1102
Jennifer Evans
Director, Development
jevans@sosc.org
951.703.6502
Jennifer Lucero
Director, Development
jlucero@sosc.org
714.597.6984
Chloe Petcharaporn
Director, Development
cpetcharaporn@sosc.org
619.283.6197

LETR Facts & Resources

In 1981, Chief Richard LaMunyon of the Wichita, Kansas Police Department created the Law Enforcement Torch Run® as a way to involve his officers in the community by running a torch relay for their local Special Olympics.
The first Torch Run involved six officers and they raised $300. The Torch Run has grown to include more than 125 runs in 48 nations.

Officers statewide volunteer their time, rallying support from civic groups, businesses, and generous community members to uplift local athletes.

In the 2025 Torch Run, over 3,000 law enforcement officers proudly carried the Special Olympics Torch across 1,100+ miles and through 200+ communities, spreading awareness and championing inclusion throughout Southern California.

LETR ONLINE STORE
LETR.ORG
Flickr | Photos
LA County Employee Giving

GET INVOLVED WITH LETR

Torch Run

Officers and athletes run with the Flame of Hope promoting acceptance and inclusion.
Learn More
Polar Plunge
LETR helps make our Polar Plunge fundraisers successful, exciting, and memorable.
More Info
Plane Pull
Teams of 25 pull a 124,000-pound jet 12 feet the fastest at this fun and active fundraiser.
Event Website

LETR Golf Tournament

Golf for a cause alongside law enforcement and community supporters.
Learn More

Bill Shumard Hall of Fame

Celbrating the impact of LETR
Learn More
Tip-A-Cops
LETR Officers act as celebrity waiters and donate all their tips to benefit SOSC athletes.
Learn More

Meet the LETR Executive Council

Irwin Rosenberg
Sig Ceballos
Blake Chow
Bernie Colon
Stacey Creech
Frank Durham
Thomas Graham
Ryan LeBaron
Kim Unland
Ryan Watson

LETR FOR SOSC ONLINE STORE

Represent the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Southern California with official LETR merchandise. Browse hats, apparel, and more, then show your support for the athletes and communities that make our movement strong.

Shop LETR
2026 torch run shirt

SIGN UP FOR THE SOSC NEWSLETTER

Get the latest on competitions, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, and all the ways you can be part of SOSC.

* indicates required

THANK YOU LETR PARTNERS

CPK logo
Galpin logo 300x200
JetZero logo 300x200
Kaiser Pernanente
KOC 300x200
Greater Los Angeles Local Union 11
Long Beach Airport logo 300x200
Pechanga 300x200
Reyes Coca Cola Bottling
Texas Roadhouse logo
UPS logo
LETR Badge

Irwin Rosenberg

Irwin Rosenberg serves as State Director of the Special Olympics Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council, a role he has held since January 2024.His previous leadership roles included Chair of the Policy and Procedures Committee, Council Secretary and Assistant State Director.

A Council member since 2016, his passion for Special Olympics began during the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, where he helped coordinate the Final Leg Torch Run team’s visit and community event in the City of San Fernando. A retired Police Commander with more than 20 years of service with the San Fernando Police Department, Irwin Rosenberg also serves on the Special Olympics Southern California Board of Directors and Chair of the Board’s Marketing/Public Relations Committee as well as a member of the Board’s Executive Committee. Irwin is the proud 2025 Inductee into the LETR Bill Shumard Hall of Fame. He remains deeply inspired by the determination, courage, perseverance, and unconditional love shown by Special Olympics athletes, who he considers his “why” and the driving force behind his continued commitment to LETR and the Special Olympics movement.

LETR Badge

Sig Ceballos

Sig Ceballos dedicated more than 30 years to the California Highway Patrol, retiring a honorably as Sergeant, building a legacy rooted in service, leadership, and community impact. For the past 25 years, he has been a driving force behind the Temecula Law Enforcement Torch Run, which he founded, and has remained deeply involved with Special Olympics Southern California. His commitment to the movement includes serving as a Final Leg Runner representing Southern California Law Enforcement for the 2007 Special Olympics World Games in China and again for the 2026 USA Games. Sig Ceballos has also recruited and mentored new law enforcement volunteers, helping expand the reach and impact of LETR. His contributions have been recognized with the Unsung Hero Award at the Bill Schumard Hall of Fame Awards and induction into the Bill Schumard Hall of Fame in 2026. As an Executive Council member, he supports community outreach, public relations, and strategic efforts that advance the mission of Special Olympics Southern California.
LETR Badge

Blake Chow

Blake Chow serves on the Special Olympics Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council and is a Commanderwith the Los Angeles Police Department. Appointed to the LAPD in 1990, Blake has served in a wide variety of leadership roles throughout his distinguished law enforcement career, advancing through the ranks while supporting public safety initiatives across the City of Los Angeles.

A longtime supporter of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics movement, Blake has served as a Council member and former State Director, helping guide and strengthen LETR efforts throughout California. He currently serves as LAPD’s liaison to Special Olympics Southern California and remains committed to fostering partnerships that advance inclusion, awareness, and opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. His dedication and leadership continue to play an important role in growing the impact of the Law Enforcement Torch Run across Southern California.

LETR Badge

Bernie T. Colon

Bernie T Colon is a Captain with the San Diego Police Department, where he has dedicated 37 years to law enforcement and currently leads the Investigations 1 Division. He has been involved with Special Olympics for nearly 20 years and has served on the Law Enforcement Torch Run Council for more than a decade. Through his continued service on the Executive Council, Bernie brings extensive law enforcement leadership, long-standing commitment, and a deep dedication to supporting Special Olympics athletes throughout Southern California.

Because of Captain Colon’s humble leadership, unwavering commitment and “can do” attitudenever seeking recognition or award, he was awarded the very prestigious 2026 Jim Gardiner Unsung Hero Award at the Law Enforcement Torch Run Bill Shumard Hall of Fame Banquet.

LETR Badge

Stacey Creech

Stacey Creech is a Police Officer and Community Relations Officer with the Los Angeles Port Police, where she has served for 19 years. Her career has included assignments in patrol on both land and water, with much of her service focused on support services and community relations. Stacey Creech joined the LETR Council in late 2017 after participating in the LETR Plane Pull. Since then, she has served in several leadership roles, including Chair of Marketing and Communications, Secretary, Assistant State Director, and Acting State Director. She currently serves as an Executive Council member, Vice Chair of Policies and Procedures, and member of the MarCom committee, continuing her commitment to strengthening LETR’s outreach, leadership, and community impact. Stacey is a past recipient of the prestigious 2022 LETR Rockstar Award.
LETR Badge

Frank Durham

Frank Durham is a Sergeant with the Los Angeles School Police Department and serves on the Special Olympics Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council as Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee. A dedicated Guardian of the Flame since 2012, Frank has spent more than a decade building support for Special Olympics athletes through fundraising, community engagement, and awareness initiatives.

Throughout his involvement with LETR, Frank has helped lead and support numerous events, including Torch Runs, Tip-A-Cops, Float with the Flame, Summer Games, Clay Shoot for Inclusion, and the Chili Cook-Off. He was recognized with the Bill Shumard Hall of Fame Rockstar Award for his outstanding contributions to the movement. Known for his enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment to inclusion, Frank continues to encourage involvement within his department and throughout the law enforcement community while helping expand awareness and support for Special Olympics Southern California.

LETR Badge

Tom Graham

Tom Graham is a Commander with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and serves on the Special Olympics Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council as Vice Chair of Agency Development and Secretary of the Council. Throughout his law enforcement career, Tom has held leadership positions focused on public safety, emergency preparedness, and specialized law enforcement operations while serving the communities of Orange County. As a member of the Executive Council, Tom is dedicated to expanding LETR participation by building relationships with law enforcement leaders and helping introduce new agencies and communities to the movement. He is a strong advocate for growing support for Special Olympics athletes and works closely with fellow Council members to strengthen partnerships, increase engagement, and advance the mission of inclusion across Southern California.
LETR Badge

Ryan LeBaron

Ryan LeBaron serves on the Special Olympics Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council and is a Deputy Chief with the Long Beach Police Department. During more than two decades in law enforcement, Ryan has served in numerous specialized and leadership assignments while remaining committed to community engagement and public service.

For more than 15 years, Ryan has been a dedicated advocate for Special Olympics Southern California and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. He has inspired participation within his agency, mentored fellow officers, and consistently championed opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. In 2025, Ryan was selected to represent Southern California as a Final Leg Torch Runner for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, where he was further honored by his peers with selection to participate in the Opening Ceremony. His commitment to the movement is both professional and personal, and he continues to lead with humility, service, and a passion for inclusion.

LETR Badge

Kimberly Unland

Kimberly “Kim” Unland is a retired Captain who served 33 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. She first carried the Flame of Hope as a young patrol deputy in the early 1990s, and her connection to Special Olympics deepened after attending her first Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games in 2010 Kim proudly serves on the Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council and previously served more than seven years as LETR Director. Throughout her involvement, she has helped lead law enforcement professionals united by a shared belief that Special Olympics athletes deserve support, respect, and love. Inspired by the legacy of Chief Richard LaMunyon, founder of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Kimberly Unland considers it an honor to help carry forward the Flame of Hope and serve alongside athletes, law enforcement officers, volunteers, and Special Olympics staff who continue to keep it burning. Kim is the proud 2023 inductee into the Special Olympics Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run Bill Shumard Hall of Fame.
LETR Badge

Ryan Watson

Ryan Watson serves as Assistant Director on the Special Olympics Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council. He has been involved with Special Olympics since 1998, supporting a wide range of LETR events and initiatives including Torch Runs, Tip-A-Cops, Pigskin Challenge, Plane Pull, Float with a Flame, Hall of Fame, and We Run the City. Ryan Watson joined the Council in 2010 while serving with the Long Beach Police Department and later joined the Executive Council in 2024 as a Deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. In his role, he continues to support LETR’s mission through leadership, fundraising, event participation, and service to Special Olympics athletes.
SOSC 2 Line

NEED HELP?

Contact Us

Make a Donation

562.502.1100 or
Email | info@sosc.org

Website & Technical Problems

562.502.1050 or
Email | lsundal@sosc.org

General Questions

562.502.1100 or
Email | info@sosc.org