2014 Handbook - Special Olympics Connecticut

2014 Handbook
2013 Level of Excellence
$10,000
Branford Police Department
Bridgeport Police Department
Department of Correction Central office/K-9 Unit
Eastern Connecticut State University Police Department
Fairfield University Department of Public Safety
Hartford Police Department
New Britain Police Department
South Windsor Police Department
York Correctional Institution
$7,500
Cheshire Manson Youth Department of Correction
Connecticut State Police
Danbury Police Department
Enfield Police Department
Guilford Police Department
Hamden Police Department
Wolcott Police Department
Woodbridge Police Department
2013 Level of Excellence
$5,000
Fairfield Police Department
Madison Police Department
Southern Connecticut State University Police Department
$2,500
Berlin Police Department
Bristol Police Department
Brookfield Police Department
Canton Police Department
Cheshire Police Department
Coventry Police Department
Department of Correction-Central Transport Unit
Farmington Police Department
Glastonbury Police Department
Groton City Police Department
Monroe Police Department
New Haven Correctional Center
New Milford Police Department
Newtown Police Department
Osborn Correctional Institution
Ridgefield Police Department
Sacred Heart University Department of Public Safety
Torrington Police Department
Waterford Police Department
Watertown Police Department
Willard-Cybulski CI
Wilton Police Department
Department Awards
Connecticut Police Chief’s Association Award
Presented to
South Windsor Police Department
Connecticut State Police Award (CSP)
Presented to
Traffic Services Unit
Department of Correction Award
Presented to
Department of Correction Central Office/K-9 Unit
International Association of Campus Law
Enforcement Administrators Award
Presented to
Fairfield University Department of Public Safety
Lieutenant Joel Kent Tip-a-Cop Award
Presented to:
South Windsor Police Department
A MESSAGE FROM LETR DIRECTORS
Todd Pelazza, Director of Public Safety, Fairfield University
Lt. Don Crabtree, Wethersfield Police Department, &
Captain Joseph Carlone, Department of Correction
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut is to
raise funds and awareness of the Special Olympics movement. Special Olympics is a
program which reaffirms our beliefs that with hope and dedication, we can see achievement and self-worth realized by any individual. It is our belief that people with cognitive
disabilities, by their involvement in Special Olympics, can show the community at large
that there are no limits to human potential or the human spirit.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots fundraising public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics and is a year-round commitment
made by law enforcement officers to raise funds for and awareness of Special Olympics. It has raised $46 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world in
2013. It has become our priority within the law enforcement community and a source
of pride within our profession. Officers assist throughout the year at various competitions. We encourage you to come out at present awards at any of the events. We are the
“Guardians of the Flame of Hope”.
We would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication during this past
year. We look forward to continuing to work with everyone in 2014 to make this an even
better year! It is through your dedication that helps allow Special Olympics to raise
awareness and funds for people with intellectual disabilities.
We encourage you not only to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and its
various fundraising events, but to also participate in any of the Special Olympics games
throughout our state.
Let’s keep the momentum going in 2014!
Table of Contents
Mission Statement………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Special Olympics CT – Facts…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Special Olympics – Terminology…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Law Enforcement International Torch……………………………………………………………………………………………..
CT Law Enforcement Torch Run……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
2013 Torch Run Legs……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
LETR Town Captain/Responsibilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………...
LETR Leg Coordinator/Responsibilities…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Statewide Torch Run Liaison ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
SOCT Regional Liaison…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Torch Run Council………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Leg Coordinators…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Department Reporting Structure……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Run Safety…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Crisis Intervention Plan………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Public Relations…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Ways to become Involved……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Fundraising Event Overviews …………………………………………………………………………………………………...
On-Line Fundraising………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Merchandise…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2012 LETR International Conference ……………………………………………………………………………………….
Financial Procedures……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
1
LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
is to raise funds for and awareness of the Special Olympics movement worldwide.
Law enforcement officers from every state and more than 36 countries carry the
Flame of Hope in honor of the Special Olympics athletes in their area and around
the world
SPECIAL OLYMPICS CONNECTICUT
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports
training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and
adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them
continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage,
experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their
families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
2
special olympics connecticut (soct) - facts
Special Olympics is an international program of sports training and athletic
competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Athletes – 7,134
Partners – 7,681
Volunteers – over 10,000 annually, giving 200,000 hours of time
Special Olympics Connecticut is located in Hamden, CT
State Competitions (5)
Winter Games—March 1 & 2
Summer Games– June 6, 7, & 8
Fall Sports Festival– September 6 & 7
Holiday Sports Classic—November 22 & 23
Sports Offered
Alpine Skiing
Flag Football
Aquatics
Golf
Athletics
Gymnastics
Basketball
Sailing
Bocce
Snowboarding
Bowling
Snowshoeing
Cheerleading
Soccer
Cross Country Skiing
Softball
Croquet
Speed Skating
Curling
Power Lifting
Cycling
Tennis
Figure Skating
Triathlon
Floor Hockey
Unified Long Distance Running
Volleyball
58 Special Olympic athletes serve as global messengers
3
special olympics connecticut terminology
Words matter. Words can open doors to cultivate the understanding and respect that enable people with disabilities to
lead fuller, more independent lives. Words also can create barriers or stereotypes that are not only demeaning to people with disabilities, but also rob them of their individuality.
The following language guidelines have been developed by experts for use by anyone writing or speaking about people
with intellectual disabilities to ensure that all people are portrayed with
individuality and dignity.
Appropriate terminology:
*Special Olympics Connecticut uses the term “intellectual disabilities.” Other terms are used around the
world.
*Refer to participants in Special Olympics as Special Olympics athletes, rather than Special Olympians or
Special Olympic athletes
*Use people first language. Refer to individuals, persons or people with intellectual disabilities, rather
than “intellectually disabled people” or “the intellectually disabled.”
*People have intellectual disabilities, rather than is “suffering from,” is “afflicted with,” or is “a victim
of” intellectual disabilities
*Distinguish between adults and children with intellectual disabilities. Use adults or children, or older or
younger athletes
*A person uses a wheelchair rather than is confined or restricted to a wheelchair.
*Down syndrome has replaced "Down's Syndrome" and Mongoloid
*Refer to participants in Special Olympics as athletes. In no case should the word appear in
quotation marks
*When writing, refer to persons with a disability in the same style as persons without a disability: full
name on first reference and last name on subsequent references. Do not refer to an individual with
intellectual disabilities as "Bill," rather than the journalistically correct "Bill Smith" or "Smith"
*A person is physically challenged or disabled rather than crippled.
*Use the words "Special Olympics" when referring to the worldwide Special Olympics
movement
Terminology to avoid:
*Do not use the label kids when referring to Special Olympics athletes. Adult athletes are an
integral part of the program
*Do not preface Special Olympics with the word the. This implies that Special Olympics is a
one-time, singular event rather than a year-round, ongoing program of sports training and competition.
*Do not use the adjective unfortunate when talking about persons with intellectual disabilities. Disabling
conditions do not have to be life-defining in a negative way
*Do not sensationalize the accomplishments of persons with disabilities. While these
accomplishments should be recognized and applauded, people in the disability rights movement
have tried to make the public aware of the negative impact of referring to the achievements of physically or mentally challenged people with excessive hyperbole
*Use the word special with extreme care when talking about persons with intellectual disabilities. The
term, if used superfluously, can become cliché in contiguous references to Special
Olympics.
4
terminology update faqs
Q: What is the definition of “intellectual disabilities?”
A: In the context of Special Olympics, the term “intellectual disabilities” is a synonym for mental retardation. Therefore, Special Olympics use the definition of intellectual disabilities/
mental retardation provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations’
specialized agency for health. According to the WHO, intellectual disability is a condition of
arrested or incomplete development of the mind characterized by impairment of skills and
overall intelligence in areas such as cognition, language, and motor and social abilities. Intellectual disability can occur with or without any other physical or mental disorders; the diagnosis is made only if it is associated with a diminished ability to adapt to the daily demands
of the normal social environment. Visit www.who.int for more information.
Q: Why did the Special Olympics update its terminology from “mental retardation” to
“intellectual disabilities?”
A: In response to a call from our athletes and the growing social unacceptability of the term
“mental retardation” around the world, Special Olympics has adopted the term “intellectual
disabilities” when referring to the population with whom we serve. The word “mental” can
be confused with the term “mental illness” and the word “retardation” is associated with
offensive terms such as “retard” or “retarded.”
Q: Why was the specific term “intellectual disabilities” chosen?
A: As a global organization, Special Olympics recognizes intellectual disabilities as the most
widely accepted and least objectionable term that is synonymous with mental retardation.
Q: Why is the language and specific terminology important?
A: Special Olympics prefers to focus on people and their gifts and accomplishments, and to dispel negative attitudes and stereotypes. In an ideal world, labels would not exist, but unfortunately they do and language choices can have a powerful impact on impressions and attitudes. As language has evolved, Special Olympics has updated its official terminology to use
more widely accepted terminology that is more acceptable to our athletes.
Q: Have the Special Olympics mission or eligibility requirements changed?
A: No, the Special Olympics mission and eligibility requirements remain the same. Special
Olympics has updated its terminology, but in the context of the movement, “intellectual disabilities” and “mental retardation” have identical meanings.
5
Law Enforcement International Torch Run

Largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle

In 2013, over $46 million was raised for Special Olympics. Since it’s inception over $461 million
has been raised.

Over 85,000 LETR volunteers participate across 35 nations and 12 Canadian provinces and 50
US states.

For World and National Games, officers are chosen to run in the Final Leg and represent
nations from around the world.

Past Final Legs have been held in Indiana, Nevada, Minneapolis, Austria, Connecticut,
Toronto, North Carolina, Alaska, Ireland, Japan, China, Boise, Idaho, Greece and South Korea.

In 2013 the Final Leg was held in the Republic of Korea. Sergeant Pete Howard was
selected to represent Connecticut as a Final Leg runner. Captain Joe Carlone was selected
by the International LETR Council to be a team leader.

In 2014, the Final Leg will be held in Princeton, New Jersey for the USA National Games. In
2016 the Final Leg will be held in Los Angeles, California
At its most basic level, the Torch Run is an actual running event where officers and athletes run
the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” to the Opening Ceremonies of local tournaments, State,
Provincial or National Summer or Winter Games. As a whole, the Torch Run program encompasses a variety of fundraising vehicles in addition to the actual Torch Run such as T-shirt or merchandise sales, raffles, donations or pledges for runners in the Torch Run, corporate donations,
and special events, such as, Penguin Plunges, golf tournaments or other events that have local appeal.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police is the founding law enforcement organization of
the Law Enforcement Torch RunÒ for Special Olympics. For more information about the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics, please visit our website at www.specialolympics.org.
6
Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run
2014 FACT SHEET
Law Enforcement Torch Run
For Special Olympics Connecticut
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut is to raise funds and awareness of
the Special Olympics movement. Special Olympics is a program which reaffirms our beliefs that with hope and dedication, we can see achievement and self-worth realized by any individual. It is our belief that persons with cognitive
disabilities, by their involvement in Special Olympics, show the community at large there are no limits to human potential or the human spirit.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots fundraising vehicle for Special
Olympics and is a year-round commitment by law enforcement officers to raise funds for and awareness of Special Olympics.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics began in 1981 in Kansas as a vision of Chief Richard LaMunyon, a local police chief who wanted to give his officers an opportunity to participate in something positive.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1986 in Connecticut.

The Torch Run invites participants from civic groups such as law enforcement, corrections, federal, military, college and university groups along with their families to take part.

The money raised for the Law Enforcement Torch Run assists in funding local Special Olympics athletes in their
participation at the local, regional, and state competitions.

Being involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut enables nearly 7,134 athletes
the opportunity to gain confidence and a positive self-image. This carries over into the home, the classroom, the
job and the community through successful experiences in sports. By participating in the Torch Run, you can share
the pride in their many accomplishments and encourage them to do their best, go for the gold and inspire greatness within themselves.

The Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run is a year-round program with events that include: the 3 Day Torch
Run leading into the State Summer Games in June; Tip-A-Cop; Cop-On-Top; Motorcycle Rides; Raffles; Golf Tournaments, and much, much more for Special Olympics.

The Torch Run has evolved into a year-round, worldwide fund raiser. The Torch Run covers 35 nations, 12 Canadian provinces and 50 US states.

The Torch Run and the Final Leg of the Run in Connecticut encompasses more than 100 towns and cities and covers 520 miles during the 3 day run in June 6-8, 2014. On June 6, 2014, the Final Leg of the Run will converge at
Southern Connecticut State University, the site of the annual Summer Games.
In 2013 for the fifth year in a row, the Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run program raised over $500,000.
7
Duties and responsibilities—
Town Captain
Must be a law enforcement officer working within the agency/department in which they
will represent. Must be willing to fulfill the responsibilities of the town captain and maintain enthusiasm for Special Olympics Connecticut.
Responsibilities:
*Attend Kickoff Luncheon and Leg meetings, maintain regular contact with the Leg Coordinator and recruit runners and support staff for day of the run
*Ordering and distribution of the runners t-shirt
*Provide information and materials necessary for individual fundraising efforts, i.e. sponsor sheets
*Coordinate additional support vehicles for the run as needed
*Maintain records, collect waiver forms and turn over all donations to SOCT. Waiver forms
must be turned in prior to the run.
*Verify route within town with Leg Coordinator and /or Routes
Coordinator
*Encourage and recruit runners for the Final Leg run on Day 3 of the Torch
Run
*Work with your assigned Regional Coordinator and SOCT representative,
coordinating the following efforts within your town
*Publicity-local newspaper, radio, TV, cable access
*Government- contact Mayor/First Selectman, generate local
support- contact any schools on route
*Fundraising Activities- Tip-A-Cop, Adopt-A-Mile, Runner
Sponsors, Merchandise Sales, Spaghetti Dinners, Plane Pull,
Penguin Plunge, etc
9
Duties and responsibilities—
Leg Coordinator
Must be a law enforcement officer with strong leadership skills and experience in both
managing and motivating people. Also must have prior experience and involvement as a
Law Enforcement Town Captain. Must attend a training session in 2013 to learn new
guidelines and procedures for the torch run. This session is mandatory.
Responsibilities:
*Carry out the mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics within a
designated geographic area. And act as a liaison with the Torch Run Council through
the Regional Torch Run Coordinators to ensure that
information is passed from all Agency/Department Town Captains within their leg
*Responsible for all supplies for the day of the run. Organize truck, driver, staff, and supplies for entire day of the leg
To include coordinating lunch sponsor and location
*The Leg Coordinator must be available to participate for the entire day of his/her leg
-Schedule regular Leg Meetings for Town Captains and SOCT Regional Directors and
Representatives in your Leg
-Attend Kickoff Luncheon and all Leg Coordinator meetings
-Meet with Town Captains within Leg to review their responsibilities for the year
with them
-Maintain regular contact with your Town Captains, encouraging fund-raising and
runner recruitment
-Maintain regular communication with the Torch Run Committee.
10
Special Olympics contacts
Statewide Torch Run Liaison
Lisa Carlone
[email protected]
203-230-1201 ext 231
Fax: 203-230-1202
LETR Coordinators
Sarah Branigan
[email protected]
(203) 230-1201 X270
Fax: 203-230-1202
Sharon Pelkey
[email protected]
(203) 230-1201 X264
Fax: 203-230-1202
Jackie Turro
[email protected]
(203) 230-1201 x265
Fax: 203-230-1202
Special Olympics Connecticut
2666 State Street, Ste 1
Hamden, CT 06517
11
2014 TORCH RUN COUNCIL
Honorary Chairman
Lt. Paul Vance
Connecticut State Police
Chief Joe Dooley
Southern Connecticut State University
Law Enforcement Torch Run Co-Directors
Director of Public Safety, Todd Pelazza, Fairfield University Department of Public Safety
Lieutenant Don Crabtree, Wethersfield PD
Assistant Director
Captain Joseph Carlone
Connecticut Department of Correction
State Torch Run Liaison
Lisa Carlone
Special Olympics Connecticut President
Beau Doherty
CSP Liaisons
TFC Carlo Guerra
Department of Correction Liaisons
Deputy Warden Danille Borges—MYI
Lieutenant Jim Kanios – DOC
University and College Liaison
Lieutenant Tom Madera, Eastern Connecticut State University
Sergeant Rob Didato—Fairfield University
Council Members
Chief Paul Melanson
Farmington Police Department
Lieutenant Kelly Walsh
Avon Police Department
Special Agent Ron Littell
South Windsor Police Department
Detective Dave Marinelli
Wolcott Police Department
Detective Nikki Mordasiewicz
Hartford Police Department
Officer Jeff Nielsen
Milford Police Department
Sergeant Mark Squires
Enfield Police Department
13
2014 LEG COORDINATORS
Leg 4a
Enfield
East Windsor
South Windsor
East Hartford
Glastonbury
TBD
Leg 5
Watertown
Thomaston
Litchfield
Torrington
Winchester
Barkhamstead
New Hartford
Canton
Simsbury
Avon
West Hartford
Hartford
Lt. Dan Lauer
Waterbury Police Department
Leg 6 Retired Detective Dave Marinelli
Seymour
Beacon Falls
Waterbury
Wolcott
Bristol
Farmington
West Hartford
Hartford
Leg 7 Sgt Jim Gosselin
Newington
New Britain
Berlin
Southington
Cheshire
Hamden
New Haven
Berlin Police Department
Leg 8 Detective Tim Bernier
Chester
Deep River
Essex
Old Saybrook
Westbrook
Clinton
Madison
Guilford
Branford
East Haven
New Haven
Guilford Police Department
14
2014 LEG COORDINATORS
Leg 9 Counselor Stacey Marmora
New Milford
Brookfield
Danbury
Bethel
Newtown
Southbury
Oxford
Prospect
Bethany
Cheshire CI
Leg 9A Pam Neuendorf
Wilton
Bridgeport CC
Leg 9B Sgt Pete Howard
Monroe
Trumbull
Shelton
Ansonia
Woodbridge
New Haven
Monroe Police Department
Leg 10
Greenwich
Stamford
Darien
Norwalk
Westport
Fairfield
Bridgeport
Stratford
Milford
Orange
West Haven
New Haven
Milford Police Department
14
Officer Jeff Nielsen
Run Safety
The runner’s safety is of the utmost importance during the run. Please watch for tired runners and direct
them off the running surface or into a trail vehicle. The pace must be maintained at 11 minutes per mile.
1) No children or children in strollers will be allowed to run NO EXCEPTIONS!
2) No participants will be allowed to use roller blades or bicycles. Only Law Enforcement on bicycle patrol assisting in the safety of the run will be allowed.
3) Walkers cannot be accommodated during the run.
4) Runners must maintain an eleven (11) minute mile pace to ensure the proper coordination and
timing of the Torch Run.
5) Tired runners will not be allowed to ride on the support vehicle (pick-up truck w/ Torch supplies etc.)
but must get into a trail vehicle provided by the local department.
6) Runners must never run ahead of the support vehicle (pick-up truck) nor should they fall behind the
trail vehicle (CSP vehicle).
7) If tired and unable to maintain pace, runners must move off the roadway onto the sideway or similar
surface. Runners can complete the run but must do so out of harm’s way. Motorcade will continue
maintaining the pace.
8) NO ALCOHOL or intoxicated persons will be allowed to be part of the Torch Run.
9) Remember, the safety of the runners is of the utmost importance to ensure a successful Torch Run.
Anyone NOT abiding by these rules will be asked to leave the run.
15
CRISIS INTERVENTION PLAN
The following is the Crisis Intervention Plan for any emergency during a torch run event for Special Olympics Connecticut. Representatives from LETR and the SOCT torch run liaison will determine if the situation is an emergency and, they will determine if a command center needs to be activated.
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
(Determines if there is a true crisis)
Lisa Carlone, State Torch Run Liaison
Director of Public Safety Todd Pelazza, Torch Run Director
Lieutenant Don Crabtree, Torch Run Director
Captain Joe Carlone, Asst Torch Run Director
SOCT Emergency #
Cell # (203) 829-3672
Cell # (203) 395-5677
Cell # (860) 462-4813
Cell # (860) 221-5031
(203) 230-1201 x275
Active Crisis Management Team
(Implement crisis management / communications plan)
Lisa Carlone, State Torch Run Liaison
Director of Public Safety Todd Pelazza, Torch Run Director
Lieutenant Don Crabtree, Torch Run Director
Captain Joe Carlone, Asst Director of the Torch Run
Debbie Horne, Director of Communications
Beau Doherty, President
Mike Mason, Sr. VP / CFO
Cell # (203) 829-3672
Cell # (203) 395-5677
Cell # (860) 462-4813
Cell # (860) 221-5031
Cell # (203) 889-6002
Cell # (203) 640-1632
Cell # (860) 307-6638
Actions:
Contact emergency and police services immediately.
Contact crisis intervention team starting with the Torch Run Liaison Lisa Carlone (203) 829-3672 if you cannot
reach Lisa follow
Co-Torch Run Director – Todd Pelazza
Co-Torch Run Director – Don Crabtree
Assistant Torch Run Director – Joe Carlone
PIO – TBD upon incident
If a situation is deemed a potential emergency, an immediate meeting will be called with the
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to activate command center and dispatch resources.
On Scene Operations Coordinator
Evaluate severity
Determine event level criteria (refer to Addendum
Determine actions to respond
Determine need for other staff and resources
Incident Commander
Establish location for command center in consultation with all parties
Obtain continuous updates from Operations Coordinator
Brief all leaders on current situation
Determine corrective actions as needed
Exchange frequent updates with crisis management team as needed
Ensure no statements are released unless issued by command staff at command center
LETR Event Coordinator
Continues with existing event
Continue to brief Incident Commander on the status of the event
Inform the Command Center if the media is at any events and a PIO is needed.
Public Information Officer
Determine affected PIO’s and notify
Gather information related to incident
Draft statement and have approved by CIT
Determine if PIO’s need to have personal at event locations
In collaboration with LETR, LETR designated Public Information Officer and Special Olympics Connecticut. One
statement is created, it will be determined who gives statement.
Event Level Criteria
Level 1 Monitor
No immediate danger or emergency exists, but the potential is present
A minor incident occurs that appears to be a short duration
The situation is limited in scope and can be managed by the appropriate administration
Level 11 Standby
The potential danger is real; key personnel should be prepared to react
The situation has the potential for expanding beyond a limited area
The situation may continue for an extended duration
Additional outside resources are needed
Level 111 Emergency
Personnel are in danger; facilities are at risk
Immediate action is necessary
The incident is off property but close enough to affect a facility or involves students and personnel
The situation requires the coordination of resources and/or coordination with outside agencies
Public Relations
SOCT CONTACT:
Debbie Horne
Director of Communication
Phone: (203) 230-1201 Ext. 240
Cell: (203) 889–6002
E-mail: [email protected]
NBC Connecticut
*Talent will run the Thursday leg in Middletown
*PSA (combined with Summer Games)
***Reminder, press releases can be sent to all other television stations. We would love coverage
from other stations the only thing we can not ask them for is talent appearances or Public Service
Announcements.***
Clear Channel Radio
Hartford County
The River 105.9
Country 92.5
KISS 95.7
1410AM ESPN Radio
New Haven County
KC101
WELI News Talk 960
1300 ESPN Radio
*Clear Channel Radio is a year round exclusive radio sponsor for the Torch Run. They will cover
the 3 day run and as many events throughout the year as possible.
*All event PSA's and on air mentions will be on all 7 stations so this is a great way to get state coverage.
*There is an exception to this: if you are having an event in Fairfield County and have worked with
Cox Radio stations that is fine to do again. Also if LETR contacts have worked with different radio
stations and want to do so again please call Laura to discuss.
Clear Channel's direct competition is 96.5 WTIC, Lite 100.5, 93.7, WPLR, etc. so they are off limits
for this year.
Additional Press
For all events that come in requesting a press release and provide detailed information we will
provide the following pr for the event:
Press Release and/or Media Alert
(sent to all tv, Clear Channel radio and local papers)
Event on www.soct.org LETR page and Special Event Calendar
Facebook Announcement
Twitter (planning to schedule 1 Tweet per day so 1st come, 1st serve!)
17
Ways To Become Involved!
*Encourage your fellow officers to participate in the Torch Run. Run in your local
torch run leg, start a new route through your area and be part of the Final Leg Run, into
the Opening Summer Games.
*Encourage your fellow officers to participate in current special events and
fundraising your area. Get a team together for your local golf tournament,
Penguin Plunges, Paint Ball Tournament, Raffle Ticket Sales, Runner T-Shirt Sales,
Hat Sales, etc. Ask an athlete to be on your team.
*Use the Torch Run as a leadership training tool. By giving officers the opportunity to organize
and run Torch Run events, you give them a chance to develop or enhance their leadership
and management skills.
*Adopt-An-Athlete programs give a personal relationship with one athlete and allow them as a
group to track that athlete’s progress.
*Invite athletes to speak at your department meetings. Through its Athlete
Leadership Programs and Global Messenger initiative, Special Olympics trains
athletes to be public speakers. Hearing an athlete speak will give officers a better
understanding of Special Olympics.
*Bring officers to local Special Olympics Games to award medals and see the
athletes compete. Close personal contact with the athletes during a competition is
the best way to motivate officers to become more involved in Special Olympics.
*Encourage officers to become Unified Sports®Partners. Special Olympics
Unified Sports brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to
train and compete on the same teams.
*Encourage officers to become coaches. Help Special Olympics athletes reach
their potential through sports by teaching them the skills they need to compete and
win.
*Create a new Torch Run fundraiser in your area. Your imagination is the limit, but be sure to
work with your Torch Run Executive Board to incorporate appropriate themes and messages.
18
Tip A Cop
Event Concept: The goal of the Tip-a-Cop program is to collect as many donations as possible
through “tips.” Police Officers assist with waiting tables at a restaurant and collect “tip” donations
for Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT).
Picking a Spot:
*Find a restaurant with a family friendly atmosphere.
*Quick turnover of the tables can give you better results.
*Many large chain restaurants already support the Tip-a-Cop program.
*Chain restaurants include: Chili’s, Applebee’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts.
*Ask the restaurant where your crew eats, that way you already know the people.
Picking Your Date:
*Thursday, Friday and Saturday are popular nights to eat out
*Avoid Major Holidays – too much already going on.
*Make sure local schools do not have conflicting events (band concert, football game, Homecoming dance)
Getting the Word Out for Volunteers
*Distribute flyers throughout your agency.
*Send out an all employees email.
*YOUR PIO really comes in handy here- put them to work!
*Get the rookies involved.
*The more officers, the better
*You can always ask SOCT to find an Athlete to help out.
Get the Word Out for Publicity
*Make a flyer and get it into the local “hot spots”
Contact SOCT for flyers and posters
*Contact SOCT Headquarters to get out a press release.
Facts, Facts, Facts
*Provide officer’s with some easy to remember facts about SOCT and what the money raised
will be going towards.
Things to Have at Your Tip-a-Cop
*Contact SOCT for the following:
Banners, Merchandise for Sale, Camera, Information on SOCT events in the area,
Table Tops, Posters, Aprons and anything else you may think of.
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Adopt-A-Mile & Adopt-A-Town
Event Concept: Officers contact local businesses and ask them to purchase an Adopt A Mile sign
for $100.00 which will then be placed along the Torch Run route in their town. We have now added another level to this program, Adopt A Town. For $500 a business, organization or individual
will receive the following”
ADOPT-A-TOWN
6 Adopt A Town signs strategically placed through the town along the route where applicable
Recognition in the LETR newsletter in May & June and in the SOCT newsletter in May & June
How to do it
 Do a mailing to local businesses in your town. Your SOCT liaison can you help you with the
letter and the mailing.
 Go door to door and talk with the local businesses – sometimes that personal touch goes
along way
 Ask friends or family to Adopt-A-Mile
thank you:
Once the run is complete you can collect the signs from the route and present to the business
owner for them to display if they choose to do so. It is important to thank them for their donation
in some way.
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Cop-On-Top
Event Concept: The Cop on Top event is a new type of fundraising effort conducted by Connecticut law enforcement units during a pre-determined weekend. Law enforcement
officers, local PD’s, correctional officers, state troopers, etc., collect donations from
customers and the general public as they are perched on the rooftops of a building. These personnel “cannot” come off the roof for a certain number of hours/days or until the
fundraising goal has been reached. This new fundraising approach was first adopted in July 2005
and was the first of its kind in Connecticut—the first two events raised over $10,000.
Getting Started:
*Identify venue (location, customer traffic, type of venue, hours of operation, rooftop
access and architecture should be considered).
- Outdoor village-style malls, stand-alone or anchor stores in strip-style malls
- Restaurants (24-hour restaurants are handy—i.e. Dunkin Donuts)
- Indoor malls (although officer will be on top of a cherry picker-style crane)
*Secure permission from building landlord and date
*Once permission is granted, contact SOCT and arrange a meeting with the owner/managers.
*Develop a list of support needs from SOCT and venue owners/managers.
*Act as liaison between venue owner/managers/marketing staffs and local businesses,
organizations and individuals that could sponsor, donate food, in-kind gifts, etc.
*Communicate with SOCT staff on all event logistics i.e. supplies, volunteers, PR
*Communicate with SOCT staff regarding all sponsorships, pledges and business
donations.
*Recruit law enforcement personnel to staff the rooftops and venue ground level.
*Secure safe and proper arrangements for themselves and law enforcement staffs for their
rooftop stay.
*MAKE INQUIRY OR INTENTION TO ORGANIZE A COP ON TOP EVENT TO SOCT STAFF 10 TO
12 WEEKS BEFORE INTENDED EVENT.
How Cop-on-Top Raises Money
*Promote SOCT merchandise giveaways
*Work the venue patrons through PA systems or bullhorns
*Garner “pledges per hour” before the event
*Solicit donations from local area businesses (works especially well if venue is located in a strip
center, mall or village shopping area)
*Acquire sponsorships for the event.
*Make cell calls from the rooftop to local individuals and business leaders asking for gifts or
pledges
*Work with venue owners and managers to create giving incentives: matching gifts agreement, donation per item sold, discounts, coupons, etc. These methods increase visitors
and business for venue while generating funds for SOCT.
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Other suggested events
Over the Edge
Event Concept: Imagine the rush of rappelling down the face of one of Connecticut’s most recognizable
buildings! In 2014, your department has an opportunity to be part of Over the Edge, a unique, heart pounding
local event, which is certain to draw statewide media attention, dozens of participants and plenty of curious
spectators.
Participants must raise a minimum of $1,000 to go Over the Edge.
Stamford at Harbor Point: May 8, 2014
Mohegan Sun: September 11, 2014
Karting Challenge – May 20, 2014
Ride for the Flame– June 22, 2014
Event Concept: Join hundreds of cycling enthusiasts on this beautiful trek through one of the most
beautiful areas of our state.
100 Mile, 75 KM, 25 Mile and Law Enforcement Mountain Bike Competition
Penguin Plunges
Event Concept: Don't miss the “coolest” event of the year and the opportunity to run, jump or dive into the
chilly waters of Connecticut— all for Special Olympics Connecticut athletes!
For all plunge dates and to register, visit www.soct.org/plunges
Coastal Lighthouse Run– October TBD
Event Concept: The event is a timed 5k, 10k, 1 mile fitness walk and a Kids Lighthouse Dash. The
course will wind along the shore of the Long Island Sound and around the other scenic areas of Seaside Park.
For more information on any of these events, contact your SOCT liaison.
Merchandise
2014 runners t-shirts
Cotton: $10.00
Sizes S, m, l, xl
Cotton: $12.00
Size XXL, XXXL
Hats: $10.00
paper torches
$1.00
Online Store with LETR Branded Merchandise
contact your letr coordinatore for shirts & hats
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2014 Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference
New Orleans, Louisiana
September 9—13, 2014
The conference will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana September 9-13 this includes travel days. This will be an exciting
conference and while we would love to send everyone to New Orleans, we just don’t have the means to do so. However, the conference is open to active LETR members, their spouse and/or guest who would like to cover their own costs
to attend.
There are three ways to attend the conference in 2014
1. Torch run members will be selected based on the following criteria and SOCT will cover all expenses
to the conference.




Fundraising totals and year to year growth
Individual’s potential to raise awareness and funds in the future
Overall involvement with the torch run program
The same individual or agency cannot attend the conference more than 2 years in a row unless
they choose to cover their own costs and they are approved to attend.
2. Torch run members will be selected based on the above criteria and SOCT will cover partial expenses
to include:
Conference registration fees
$370.00
Region1 dinner
$35.00
Apparel Item
$35.00 - $50.00
Attendee or their department will cover these additional expenses:


Roundtrip airfare (SOCT will make the arrangements if desired, estimated costs below)
Hotel Accommodations double or single occupancy for (4) nights (estimated costs below)
3. Active Torch run members, who are not selected, their spouses and/or guest, who would like to a
attend may do so if they want to cover their own costs for the conference. However, anyone wanting
to attend the conference must first be approved by SOCT and LETR Board to insure we are not
impacting agencies or departments.
Special Olympics Connecticut will make all arrangements for attendees, including airfare, hotel accommodations and conference registration, this also applies to those who are covering their own costs. Connecticut
attends the conference as a group so we prefer to keep everyone in the same hotel and on the same flights if
possible.
Airfare
Hotel
Registration Fees
Region 1 Dinner
$450.00
$440.00 per person
$370.00
$40.00
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Financial Procedures
The following procedures are being implemented effective immediately in order to provide the
highest level of support and visibility to LETR fundraisers while ensuring the financial integrity of
each event.
*Provide 2 weeks notice of upcoming event.
*Complete LETR fundraising event form and submit to SOCT regional or HQ office.
*All monies collected from the event must be counted by the LETR volunteer
responsible for the event in the company of another person. That same person verifies the
amount and both parties sign off on the fundraising receipt. Please use a secure but public
location to the count money.
*If funds are not turned in at the conclusion of the event, monies must be secured at your
department.
*Within 2 business days of running the event the LETR volunteer must contact their respective
SOCT regional office to fax the torch run fundraising receipt form reflecting the amount raised
at the event. If both monies and completed form are turned in within 2 business days to SOCT
office than this step is not required.
*The LETR volunteer must arrange to have funds delivered to so office or picked-up by SO staff
member within 5 days.
*When money is delivered to the office or picked-up the staff member receiving money must
re-count and verify the amount while in the presence of the LETR volunteer.
*If coordinated in advance the SOCT staff member attending the event can pick up the monies
and the form at the conclusion of the event.
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Law Enforcement Torch Run
Hall Of Fame
2013
Joseph Dooley
2012
Paul Zarnetske
2011
Dave Marinelli
2010
William Fountain
2009
Brian Murphy
2008
Ray Wiederhold
2007
Gary Mazzone
2006
Bonnie Anderson
2005
Joel Kent
James “Skip” Thomas
Thank You To Our
Sponsors