Sergeant Kenny Fields, Chilhowie Police Department, epitomized the term "Torch Run Hero" during his lifetime before his death in 1997. Kenny was a low-key, quiet but effective leader in the Torch Run effort, especially in the area of law enforcement volunteerism for Special Olympics.

The Selection Committee is comprised of former recipients of the award.

We look forward to working with each of you in the nominating and selecting the 2007 Kenny Fields Memorial "Unsung Hero" Award winner(s). Please feel free to contact any committee member with questions or comments you may have. Thank you for your time and effort. See you in Richmond in May!

Purpose:
The Kenny Fields Memorial Award was created to recognize outstanding individuals who have contributed to the success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run on a local, state, or community level. The Kenny Fields "Unsung Hero" should be someone who contributes to and unheralded fashion. The award was also created to honor the memory of Sgt. Kenny Fields, Chilhowie Police Department and his many contributions to the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Virginia. The award is intended to be presented by the LETR Regional Coordinators, Region Liaisons, as well as agency representatives from around the state and to recognize an unsung Torch Run volunteer on behalf of Kenny Fields, who was himself an unsung Torch Run hero.

Selection:
An official nomination form is provided. The nomination form can be submitted by mail, fax, or email. One individual will be selected annually and the award presentation will be conducted at the Virginia Torch Run kick-off luncheon in May. The selection committee may select more than one winner, if necessary.

Criteria:
The nominee’s involvement must demonstrate a substantive contribution to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Part of the focus of this award is to recognize someone who is an "Unsung Hero" at the local, state, or community level. There are many successful Torch Run volunteers who are very satisfied to contribute mightily, in a low-key, but effective way. Kenny Fields, who died in 1997, was such an "Unsung Hero" in Virginia who contributed greatly to the success of the Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Kenny’s contributions included efforts made directly to Special Olympics Virginia. Kenny Field’s son, Tony, is a Special Olympics athlete and Kenny’s efforts reached from the local program to the Torch Run. In addition to his Torch Run efforts, Kenny served on the local Special Olympics Council, organized local competitions, and served as a Special Olympics coach. These efforts exemplify the commitment necessary to be a recipient of this award.

Process: Nomination Forms must be returned by April 15^th, to:

Nomination packets will be disseminated during January each year to all Torch Run Directors, Liaisons, as well as a select group of Torch Run participants. All nominations will be forwarded to the Kenny Fields selection committee.

The committee will be comprised of past recipients as well as members of the Virginia LETR Executive Council selected by the council chairperson. Each committee member will review the nomination forms and independently vote for each nominee in rank order fashion. The result will be kept confidential and will be announced at the Torch Run kick-off awards luncheon in May. If possible, arrangements will be made to ensure the presence of the honoree. All nominees will be announced at the awards luncheon.