Local law enforcement agencies in Suwannee County united in its signature event on Friday, April 11. The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, which helps raise awareness and benefits athletes participating in the Special Olympics, passed through Live Oak’s city limits.
While law enforcement officers and participants ran, students and community members lined the streets to show their support.
Deputy Jeff Miara, Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and School Resource Officer at Springcrest Elementary, played a key role in organizing the event. “To see the smile on the kids’ faces is what it is all about,” Miara said. “I love that Suwannee County includes their school-age kids in the event. We are one of the few counties that does that.”
Suwannee County Sheriff Sergeant and Youth Services Division Supervisor Lee Willis says, “We certainly value the relationship we have with the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Every year we reach out to the community and every year it gets bigger and better. The students that are often overlooked benefit greatly from this event.”
Through gracious donations and sponsorships, the students participating in the run received a Law Enforcement Torch Run t-shirt and medal at the conclusion of the run.