She made sure the flame stayed blazing all the way through
Warren, Hunterdon and Mercer Counties, at first while riding
in a support vehicle and then on foot as she joined Local 337 on
their 16-mile run to Hopewell.
“It’s knowing that you’re not just doing it for yourself,” Ham-
mond described as what she loves most about putting in the
miles for the Torch Run each year. “Exercise is normally about
trying to better yourself and stay in shape, but knowing that
(with the Torch Run) you’re giving back while running has al-
ways been the biggest part for me.”
Even after passing the torch, Hammond kept moving, rush-
ing to TCNJ where she would watch the torches arrive, along
with the glo wing spirit of the athletes who travel from across
the state to experience the energy of the SONJ Opening Cere-
mony. Each officer who runs the Torch Run or participates in
the Summer Games in any way knows that energy well – it’s
what keeps them coming back each year to support SONJ ath-
letes. Hammond explains it as a natural high that comes from
giving back and knowing you’re making an impact.
Local 124’s Dellatacoma compares the gratification he feels
each year from the Torch Run to what it’s like riding the Police
Unity Tour during National Police Week in May. Each experi-
ence brings law enforcement together to stand for a cause by
spreading awareness while traveling a distance.
“When I come back from the Police Unity Tour, I feel like I’m
rejuvenated and I want to work,” Dellatacoma confirmed. “The
Torch Run is the same thing. When these guys finish that five-
mile run, they’re like, ‘I’m excited to be a cop and I’m going to
get back to work because I just did a great thing and it felt great
to be a part of it.’” d
www.njcopsmagazine.com
■ JULY 2017 57