ASU Police Department carries torch for Special Olympians

Arizona State University Police Department employees joined hundreds of other law-enforcement personnel in the Special Olympics Torch Run this year.

The Torch Run is a world-wide law enforcement event that raises awareness and brings in funds for Special Olympics. Throughout the course, participants collect contributions from individuals and businesses to support Special Olympics athletes. The ASU Police Department has participated in the Torch Run and Polar Plunge at the Sun Devil Fitness Center for the past 3 years.

“Police officers get to interact with Special Olympics Athletes during these events as well as the surrounding communities wherever the event is being held,” said Earl Rosencrantz, ASU Police Department officer. The department raised $500 this year through the sale of Torch Run t-shirts.

Additional funds are raised throughout the year through pledges, merchandise sales and officers soliciting extra tips at restaurants during Tip-A-Cop events.

“The Torch Run is a great way for law enforcement to meet people from their communities. I think most officers feel a great sense of achievement, purpose and well-being after interacting with Special Olympics Athletes and their support staff,” Rosencrantz added.

About 15 ASU Police Department employees teamed up with Tempe Police to participate in the Torch Run, receiving the torch from Scottsdale Police and running/biking the torch to Mesa.

“ASU Police has also partnered with the Sun Devil Fitness Complex for the last 3 years to host the Polar Plunge where the pool is filled with ice and those who volunteer raise money for Special Olympics. Fitness Complex staff members are great partners in raising money, awareness and helping with logistics for Special Olympics of Arizona,” Rosencrantz said.