Jackson County police unite for Special Olympics Torch Run

Every year, officers from all five law enforcement agencies in Jackson County take part in the Special Olympics Torch Run. All together the route is nearly 12 miles long.
News 25’s Gina Tomlinson caught up with officers to find out why they choose to participate.
Originally known as the Flame of Hope, this torch is carried for miles every year. Ocean Springs Detective Terry Hines has been involved with the games for years. With a 24-year-old handicapped son, the miles in the heat are worth it. “It just shows the community we’re out here for them. No matter where they’re from, the Olympians are coming from all over the states, we just want to welcome them here on our Coast,” said Hines.
Adam Carter with the Ocean Springs Police Department has the same burning passion. He tells News 25 the torch run is meant to enlighten the Coast, signaling the start of the 2017 Special Olympic Games. “It’s just to bring awareness for everyone to see, just to bring it in. It goes back to all the great Roman Olympic games when you bring the torch in.”
When the original Special Olympics took place in 1981, those carrying the torch were called the Guardians of the Flame. Today, you could see law enforcement officials from all five agencies in Jackson County, carrying the Flame of Hope for a near 12 mile course. “Tonight we escort it into Keesler where the opening ceremony is set to take place and then the games open up for all these amazing athletes,” said Carter.
Police were out sweating in the heat, but it was the good cause that kept the momentum going. “You put the sweat in for these athletes that have spent years and years and years just practicing for this weekend,” said Carter.
There are more than 97,000 law enforcement members in the country who carry the Flame each year. “A lot of people just see us arresting people, handing out tickets, but we’re so much more than that. When we get involved with the community, we like to help whenever we can help and events like this where we bring attention to somebody else, makes it so much more important to us,” said Carter.