Southern Colorado officers carry torch for Special Olympics

Since 1981 law enforcement agencies have carried a torch to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics.

Friday, about 25 people the from El Paso County Sheriff’s office and Colorado Springs Police Department joined the tradition.

They carried the flame of hope during their four-and-a-half-mile run along Colorado Avenue from Manitou Springs to the sheriff’s office.

Deputy Keenan Dukes said the run is for all the athletes.

“Here in Colorado, we have approximately 20,000 Special Olympics athletes that participate with Special Olympics, and we’re out here today to raise money for them and awareness for them,” Dukes said.

At the end of the run, they were greeted by Sheriff Bill Elder and Colorado Springs Chief of Police, Pete Carey.