Law enforcement once again carries the“ Torch of Hope” across New Jersey to spread awareness and support for the Special Olympics in the 34th annual Torch Run n BY AMBER RAMUNDO
On the road again
Law enforcement once again carries the“ Torch of Hope” across New Jersey to spread awareness and support for the Special Olympics in the 34th annual Torch Run n BY AMBER RAMUNDO
Anticipation grew as Middletown Township Local 124 waited to receive the torch from Red Bank Local 39. Law enforcement runners and support vehicles gathered at the center of Coopers Bridge on Route 35 in Red Bank around 11 a. m. on June 9, when the two legs of the run would meet at the center of the Navesink River to keep the 2017 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey( SONJ) burning brightly.
While the runners double-knotted their sneakers, applied sunscreen and stretched out, Local 124 State Delegate Anthony Dellatacoma received updates from Robert Flanigan of Monmouth County Detectives Local 256 about the movement toward Coopers Bridge.
It was just around noon when they first spotted the top of the flame peek above the hill before the bridge. Local 39 members held the torch high and proud as they neared the end of their leg of the run.
“ You get that feeling like you’ re waiting for something and then you see it coming your way,” shared Dellatacoma.“ Suddenly, you see the top of the torch and then you see the other officers’ heads and shoulders as they start getting closer.”
The adrenaline kicked in as the official“ Torch of Hope” was exchanged between officers, signifying the completion of one distance and the beginning of the next five-mile journey toward the Summer Games Opening Ceremony at The College of New Jersey in Ewing Township.
For one father, Dave Ferrell, and his special needs son, Blake, the electric energy of the torch exchange was enough to keep them moving forward into the next leg of the run, where they joined the group of officers who awaited the handoff on Coopers Bridge.
Local 124 was thrilled when they saw Dave running toward them while pushing Blake in a wheelchair. This wasn’ t the first time the Ferrells followed the torch through more than one leg of the run through Central Jersey, providing all the motivation
CONTINUED ON PAGE 56 www. njcopsmagazine. com ■ JULY 2017 55