Hundreds of residents converged at the Texas Roadhouse in La Plata on Thursday morning to kick off the Charles County leg of the Maryland Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting the Maryland Special Olympics. Clerk to the Charles County Commissioners Denise Ferguson carried the torch.
“Charles County has the largest torch run leg in the state of Maryland,” Chief Strategic Development Ffficer for Special Olympics Maryland Mike Bovino said. “They have more than 600 runners that participate in this which makes it the biggest in the state which is very impressive. For the last five years, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) raises the most money of any agency in the State of Maryland so this is a special event.”
“This is only the third torch run I’ve been to,” Southern Maryland Regional Director for Special Olympics Maryland Nick Anderson said. “It’s great to see all of our law enforcement to come out but to see them come out in this large number is humbling to see the support we receive in the community. It’s crucial to our organization.”
“It demonstrates great organization abilities in the law enforcement agency headed by Gus Proctor,” Bovino added. “I think what you see is a number of people working together and have built this great program because they understand the value of bringing law enforcement in to a relationship with the Special Olympics. As a result, over a period of five to six years, you’ve seen more and more individuals become a part of something bigger. It’s a testament to the organization of the CCSO.”
The torch run began around 9 a.m.with hundreds in attendance, including dozens of Marines from the United States Marine Corps barracks at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head.
“It’s a great event,” Charles County Commissioner Ken Robinson (D: 1st) said. “I cannot say enough about the partnerships between the CCSO, United States Marine Corps and county government, all the sponsors and it’s all about the kids. I’m just so happy to be here. I’m happy the county government has taken a big role. We had 90 county staffers participate in the run and the walk. I also want to point out is the torch bearer is the clerk to the commissioners, Denise Ferguson. We’re just proud to be a part of this.”
Along the routes, stands were set up for walkers and runners to grab water and lunch was provided by Chick-fil-A.
