Lee County Leads Florida's Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

Over 150 officers from multiple agencies participated in the annual fundraising and awareness event.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Law enforcement officers from across Lee County and Southwest Florida took part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, one of the most visible fundraising and awareness events for Special Olympics Florida. Organizers say Lee County consistently stands out as one of the best in the state for participation, with this year's run drawing over 150 officers from multiple agencies.

Why it matters

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a crucial event that raises money and awareness for Special Olympics, which provides sports, training, and healthcare services for people with intellectual disabilities. Florida is consistently among the top states for LETR fundraising, with the program growing rapidly in recent years.

The details

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1982 in Wichita, Kansas when a local sheriff looked for a way to support his community's Special Olympics program. Since then, law enforcement has raised over $1.2 billion for Special Olympics worldwide. In Florida, the number of Special Olympics athletes has grown from 60,000 to 85,000 in just over three years.

  • The Lee County event is the second stop of the Torch Run season in Florida.
  • The season culminates on May 15 at Disney's Wide World of Sports, where law enforcement agencies from across the state gather for the final leg of the torch relay ahead of the State Summer Games.

The players

Ken Roop

The Law Enforcement Torch Run director for Special Olympics Florida.

Carmine Marceno

The Lee County Sheriff who emphasized the importance of bringing multiple agencies together for the cause.

Billy Hawkins

A Lee County Special Olympics athlete who participates in cycling.

Tyler Mackereth

A law enforcement officer who has participated in the Torch Run for the past five or six years.

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What they’re saying

“Lee County does some of the best in the state.”

— Ken Roop, Law Enforcement Torch Run director for Special Olympics Florida

“We're the largest provider of recreational and sports competitions and trainings. We're also the largest healthcare screener for people with intellectual disabilities. Just inclusion — they want to be part of just what everybody else has an opportunity to do.”

— Ken Roop, Law Enforcement Torch Run director for Special Olympics Florida

“This is a great day, because look, we're out here for the best cause ever. And when you get everyone together, it shows that team — doesn't matter what agency, what patch — but to be out here is huge.”

— Carmine Marceno, Lee County Sheriff

“I love doing this run just to support the Special Olympics and the people that are here today — run with my brothers and sisters.”

— Tyler Mackereth, Law enforcement officer

What’s next

The season culminates on May 15 at Disney's Wide World of Sports, where law enforcement agencies from across the state gather for the final leg of the torch relay ahead of the State Summer Games.

The takeaway

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a crucial event that brings together law enforcement agencies across Florida to raise money and awareness for the Special Olympics, which provides life-changing opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.