Welcome Sheriff Dempsey, 2018 Torch Run Chair

Sheriff Steve Dempsey of King George County has been selected to serve as the Chair of the 2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run. Law Enforcement in Virginia have served as guardians of the Flame of Hope for more than 33 years; all the while raising funds and awareness to support Special Olympics athletes.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as the Torch Run Chair this coming year,” said Sheriff Dempsey. “Together we can achieve great things to benefit these wonderful athletes in all of our communities."

Under the direction of Chief McCoy of the University of Richmond Police Department, the 2017 Torch Run raised more than $1.3 million dollars. Sheriff Dempsey has set the 2018 goal at $1.5 million. Funds raised by the Law Enforcement Torch Run help more than 21,000 athletes in Virginia escape social isolation and get in the game.

Red Robin Tip-A-Cop Oct. 21, 2017

There are new servers in town at Red Robin! Law enforcement members around the country will trade their ticket books for order pads and unite at participating Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews restaurants to serve guests for a special cause. Red Robin’s 12th annual Tip-A-Cop® events will take place Saturday, Oct. 21 between 11 am to 2 pm and 5 to 9 pm at more than 400 restaurants in 39 states, including 19 locations in Virginia. Law enforcement members will volunteer their time as servers alongside Red Robin’s wait staff to raise funds for local Special Olympics programs in their communities.

Back to School Tips & Donations at Wawa

Law Enforcement volunteers from 9 agencies (University of Richmond Police Department, Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office, Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office, Prince William County Sheriff’s Office, Portsmouth Police Department, Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office and Colonial Heights Police Department) traded Back to School Safety messages and words of gratitude for Cover the Cruiser donations for Special Olympics during the 7th annual Wawa With the Law Week held statewide August 28 – September 1. Heaving rains and flooding prevented a few agencies from participating as planned, but this year’s campaign total still exceeded $13,000 from 13 Cover the Cruiser locations. We think that’s Wawa-wonderful!!

Looking for Torch Run Events?

We've moved all Torch Run calendar listings to our Special Olympics Virginia calendar, which also includes details on many other ways to get involved in our program. Check it out at www.specialolympicsva.org/calendar.