Osceola County Law Enforcement Torch Run Celebrates Unity for Special Olympics

Annual event brings together local police agencies in support of athletes

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:41am

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A brightly colored, abstract silkscreen print of a running shoe repeated in a grid pattern, representing the energy and unity of the Law Enforcement Torch Run event for the Special Olympics.Law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes come together in a joyful display of community support during the annual Osceola County Torch Run.Kissimmee Today

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office, along with partners from the Florida Highway Patrol, Osceola Corrections, St. Cloud Police Department, and Kissimmee Police Department, hosted the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics. The event was hailed as a powerful display of unity and community support for the athletes.

Why it matters

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a longstanding tradition that helps connect local law enforcement with the Special Olympics community. By visibly participating in the run, officers demonstrate their commitment to inclusion and empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The details

Hundreds of law enforcement personnel and Special Olympics athletes ran together through the streets of Kissimmee, passing the symbolic torch from one agency to the next. The event featured music, cheering crowds, and a celebratory atmosphere as the group made its way through the city.

  • The Osceola County Law Enforcement Torch Run took place on the morning of April 18, 2026.

The players

Christopher Blackmon

The Sheriff of Osceola County, Florida.

Florida Highway Patrol

A state law enforcement agency that participated in the torch run.

Osceola Corrections

The county's corrections department that joined the torch run event.

St. Cloud Police Department

A local police agency that took part in the torch run.

Kissimmee Police Department

A local police department that participated in the torch run.

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What they’re saying

“This event was more than just a run because it represented unity in motion.”

— Christopher Blackmon, Sheriff, Osceola County Sheriff's Office

The takeaway

The Osceola County Law Enforcement Torch Run demonstrates the strong bond between local law enforcement and the Special Olympics community. By visibly supporting the athletes, the participating agencies are helping to raise awareness and foster a spirit of inclusion throughout the region.