Largo Officers Carry Torch For Special Olympics

A number of Pinellas County police departments and law enforcement agencies took part in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida on Tuesday.

Officials from three area departments — Largo and Pinellas Park police and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office — participated in the statewide event, which began locally in St. Petersburg and ended in Tarpon Springs. 

Two Largo PD officers who carried the torch between Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School and the Bayside Bridge told Patch what it means to be part of such an important event.

“This is the third or fourth one I’ve done,” officer Amanda Misner said at the conclusion of her leg. “It’s a good cause, so we come out to support it.”

Largo K9 officer Jason Misner said even though he hadn’t participated in the torch run for a few years, it was easy for him to keep a steady pace despite the warm temperatures. 

“I’ve been running behind a dog every night for 10 years with the K9 unit, so I can handle this,” he said.

A trio of Pinellas County Jail employees joined the run when they hopped on their bikes at the PCSO Technical Services building right near the Bayside Bridge.

None of the three are regular runners or riders. Yet they each felt it was important to be out there supporting their fellow law enforcement officials and the Special Olympics. 

“I’ve never done this before, but I know it’s for a good cause,” program specialist Jill Casey said.

“I’m out here to support our team…except I haven’t ridden a bike in 15 years,” fellow program specialist Patty Weeks added. 

One of them went so far as to buy a bike just to participate in the event.

“I bought this bike off Craigslist last week just so I could be in the run,” Cindy Garland, a support service official, added.

“And after its over, it’ll probably be going right back on Craigslist!” 

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