Since its inception in Kansas in 1981, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has become one of the movement’s largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. This year’s run marks the 30th annual run in New York State.
Every year, officers around the country hoist the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremonies of local, state and national Special Olympic competitions. More than $50 million is raised for the cause each year, with more than $550 million since it began 35 years ago.
According to Yonkers Police Det. Lt. Patrick McCormack, last year nearly 2,000 officers from more than 200 police agencies in the state participated in the popular event.
The Westchester leg of the torch run began on Thursday morning when Yonkers police officers carried the torch from the 3rd Precinct on Riverdale Avenue to Eastchester, by way of Mount Vernon. The Flame of Hope was then handed off to the next jurisdiction throughout the county until the route concluded in Peekskill in the afternoon.
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