Torchbearers: Ormond Beach Police host first torch run benefitting Special Olympics Florida

Local Special Olympians ran alongside officers from 12 agencies.

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Over 100 people took part in Ormond Beach Police Department's first Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida on Saturday, May 4.

Local Special Olympians ran alongside officers from OBPD, Holly Hill Police Department, the Probation and Parole Office, Flagler County Sheriff's Office, Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Florida Department of Corrections, Daytona Beach Shores Police Department, Edgewater Police Department, New Smyrna Beach Police Department, Port Orange Police Department, Orange City Police Department and the FBI. Students from the Daytona State College Basic Law Enforcement Class 106 were also in attendance.

The 1-mile fun run started and ended at City Hall. It acted as a fundraiser for Special Olympics Florida. Carson Frasier, of Seabreeze High School, finished first. 

Ormond Beach real estate agents Jeff and Toni Wright and Michelle Ellis, all with Adams Cameron and Co. Realtors, helped OBPD fundraise just under $700 at the event. 

"For the first time OBPD hosting the event, it was a great turnout," Toni Wright said. "Seeing everyone in their red shirts in support of Special Olympics Florida was powerful and we were glad to be a part of it."

Prior to the start of the race, Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey thanked everyone for supporting the Special Olympics and its athletes by participating in the torch run.

"We're blessed to be able to do this in Ormond Beach," Godfrey said. "We took the leap and we're blessed to have our law enforcement partners here at our special event."

OBPD decided to host the torch run after learning that there wasn't an event in place this year for Volusia County. Each year, law enforcement agencies from across the state help carry the Olympic torch by hosting races in their respective counties. 

In addition to the race, riders with Law Enforcement United made a stop at City Hall to pay tribute to OBPD's fallen officers, Officer Robert Grim who died in 2004 and Cpl. Michael Bakaysa, who died in December 2023.

 

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