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AHOSKIE – The torch was passed here Friday morning where law enforcement agencies from across the Roanoke-Chowan area joined forces to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics North Carolina.

“This is a first for our area agencies,” explained NC Wildlife Commission Master Officer Tim Wadsworth who is assigned to cover Hertford County. “We’ve never had a Torch Run locally, so I really appreciate all of you coming out this morning to take part in a very worthwhile cause.”

Local agencies participating in the event, held at the Hertford County High School track, were the Ahoskie Police, Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, Murfreesboro Police, Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Wildlife Commission and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Following the official lighting of the torch by Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin and Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes, officers with those agencies jogged around the HCHS track, taking turns in carrying the torch.

NC Wildlife Commission Lt. Forrest Orr said the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics North Carolina is held at annually at various locations throughout the state.

“We try to have one in every county, and right now there are 60 to 70 of them, but we realized there were some areas of the state where there wasn’t such an event,” Lt. Orr said. “I asked Tim to get one started here and I’m happy to see the turnout here this morning. I’ve been to torch runs all across the state and I can honestly say this is one of the best turnouts, based on the total number of county agencies represented here today.

“It’s great to have this time of fellowship together while supporting Special Olympics North Carolina,” Lt. Orr added.

He said that in 2024, law enforcement agencies in North Carolina raised approximately $1.5 million for Special Olympics through their participation in the various torch runs.

“You might say that you just bought a t-shirt and that wasn’t a big investment, but look around at all those t-shirts being worn here this morning and it adds up to almost $1,000 for Special Olympics,” Lt. Orr noted.

As for the torch itself, Lt. Orr said it represents the flame of hope for Special Olympics athletes.

“As you are carrying that torch, think about the contribution that you’re making and think about that you’re doing this for a good cause,” he stated. “If you’ve ever attended a Special Olympics event, it’s a humbling experience. All that you are doing today goes to help fund about 40,000 Special Olympics athletes in North Carolina.”

Since its inception, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised almost $1 billion worldwide with over $33 million being raised for Special Olympics North Carolina.

The 2025 Torch Run will culminate on Friday, May 30, for the Final Leg, then the Circle of Honor and lighting of the cauldron at the 2025 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games in Raleigh. Spectators are invited to cheer on the Final Leg, which begins at Carter Finley Stadium and ends at the State Capitol building.

“I expect 350 to 400 law enforcement officers from across the state will take part in the Final Leg event,” Lt. Orr estimated. “That’s a huge event and you are all invited to take part.”

The Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games will be held May 30 – June 1.