June 10, 2005
Friday

Ketchikan, Alaska - Correctional and Probation/Parole Officers and Corrections support staff from across Alaska joined to raise nearly $8,000 for Special Olympics Alaska during the annual 5K Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, held in multiple locations around the state on May 21.

The officers, joined by support staff and family members, earned the Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC) the 'traveling trophy' that is awarded to the single law enforcement agency that raises the most money for Special Olympics athletes. According to DOC, they are extremely proud to have been a contender for this honor.

In Seward, corrections participants raised $1,830, accounting for more than half of the total amount raised in that community. DOC personnel in Ketchikan raised close to $900 in their torch run event. Torch Runs also were held in the Mat-Su Valley and Nome.

In 2003 and 2004, the department had seven runners in the Anchorage race. This year the department had 52 at the starting line including 26 officers. Nearly 53 officers participated across the state.

"Winning the traveling trophy is great for morale and clearly shows the dedication our staff has for their community, and for helping others succeed," said Department of Corrections Commissioner Marc Antrim. This is the first time DOC has earned the traveling trophy, and because the staff in Seward raised the most money for Special Olympics, the traveling trophy will be housed at the Spring Creek Correctional Center.

"Raising money for Special Olympics is a great cause - we would like to extend a friendly challenge to every local, state and federal law enforcement agency in Alaska to try to top DOC in raising funds for Special Olympics at next year's Torch Run," challenged Antrim.

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Ketchikan, Alaska