At its annual Night of Champions, Special Olympics New Jersey honors and celebrates outstanding individuals and groups.
In the year leading up to the big event, award candidates are identified and nominated by their peers. These nominations are reviewed by a committee, and finally the award recipients are revealed. Awards categories include 13 outstanding county athletes, several volunteers, spirit awards, Special Olympics New Jersey Hall of Fame, Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement award.
Bruce Mathews is the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame inductee. This Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a superior contribution to the Law Enforcement Toch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey. The award was presented by Kevin Burke, Director of Law Enforcement Torch Run.
“The Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame is full of men and women who have tirelessly dedicated their time and efforts to improving the lives, health, wellness and inclusiveness of the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey. Tonight’s inductee is no different, however, his contributions helped to grow LETR movement as we know it today here in New Jersey.
Bruce Mathew’s distinguished law enforcement career began in 1979, when he graduated from the Sea Girt State Police Academy. His journey from serving the community as a police officer to passionately supporting the Special Olympics has been driven by his commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Family has always been at the heart of his life. Bruce married his beloved wife Cindi in 1973, and in 1977 he welcomed his son Brandon, who is now a special education teacher, and is the proud grandfather of two beautiful granddaughters, Alaina and Mikayla.
In 1979, his daughter Suzie was born, introducing the family to the world of Down syndrome, a path that would shape their future endeavors and into the Special Olympics world as a parent of an athlete and law enforcement Guardian of the Flame of Hope.
His commitment to Special Olympics New Jersey began in 1988, when he attended his first Summer Games held at William Paterson University. Over the years, Bruce has volunteered at numerous events, including the Polar Bear Plunges at Wildwood and Seaside, Summer and Winter Games, and various local events, helping to award medals to inspiring athletes.
Bruce has been instrumental in organizing local fundraising events such as the Red Lobster Tip-a-Cop, running leg #16 of the Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, and the Red Robin Tip-a-Cop.
His dedication to the Law Enforcement Torch Run is unparalleled. In 2003, he was a Final Leg Runner from Athens to Ireland and was inducted into the International Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame. That same year, his department was proudly featured on the back of the Annual Torch Run t-shirt in position #8.
After retiring in 2004 as Chief Ranger from the NJ State Park Service, he continued his involvement with Special Olympics, entering the “Jersey Unified” team in the Plane Pull, a team comprised of half Special Olympics New Jersey athletes and half LETR members. In 2005, he was on the LETR Final Leg Support team in Japan, further demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the cause. He continues to volunteer his time at Winter and Summer Games, as well as many other state and local events.
Today, we celebrate not just his professional achievements but his profound impact on the lives of countless individuals. His legacy of service, compassion, and dedication is an inspiration to us all.