We are proud to announce that the Law Enforcement Torch Run has globally raised more than $𝟭 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 for local Special Olympics programs since 1981! These funds have helped enable our programs to provide year-round sports training and competition for our athletes.
Special Olympics New Jersey is grateful for the thousands of law enforcement personnel from all over New Jersey who support our mission through the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). While dedicated to increasing public awareness for our program, they are also committed to raising funds for our athletes so that we can offer our programs free of charge.
The level of commitment our law enforcement community has made to our athletes can never be measured, but the statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey has been recognized around the world for many years as one of the top grassroots fundraising organizations for Special Olympics. Through year-round fundraising events, the LETR has raised more than $4 million annually, hitting a record high of $4.4 million in 2023!
In addition to fundraising, the Law Enforcement officers volunteer at athlete competitions and events year-round, serving as our ambassadors in local communities.
Special Events
Our Law Enforcement Torch Run community is dedicated to fundraising all year long through local fundraising events in addition to special events such as the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K, the Plane Pull presented by United Airlines, and the Adopt-a-Cop campaign. However, none are more well known than our Polar Bear Plunges and the Annual Torch Run.
Polar Bear Plunges
Every year, thousands of people jump into the icy Atlantic Ocean in the middle of winter. Despite the cold, our Polar Bear Plunges continue to grow in popularity. Over 7,500 participants raised more than $2.5 million in 2025.
Annual Torch Run
The Annual Torch Run is the heart of the Law Enforcement Torch Run movement. Each year, thousands of officers take to the streets of their local communities on 1 of 26 separate routes to help carry the “Flame of Hope” to the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games to light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony. The 2025 Annual Torch Run is on Friday, June 6th.
Yearbooks
Law Enforcement Torch Run Leadership
The 47 dedicated members of the State Committee are what drive the continued reach and success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey.
Chairmen
Major Kevin Burke, Director
NJ State Police, Retired
Chief Robert Belfiore, Director Emeritus
Port Authority Police Department, Retired
Captain Robert T. MacFarlane, Executive Deputy Director
William Paterson University Police, Retired
Lieutenant Lou Hannon, Deputy Director – South
Camden Police Department, Retired
Detective Robert Flanigan, Deputy Director – Central
Freehold Borough Police Department
Captain James Sepp, Deputy Director – North
Bogota Police Department, Retired
State Committee
Sheriff’s Officer Joseph (Jay) Aretino
Monmouth County Sheriff Dept, Retired
Patrolman Joe Bardi
William Paterson University PD
Sergeant Chip Bartkowski
Ewing PD, Retired
Officer Brian Belfiore
Port Authority PD
Detective Lt. Phillip Bellomo
Paramus PD, Retired
Captain Garth Brown
Ridgefield PD, Retired
Detective James Caulfield
Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office
Lieutenant Lisa Cawley
NJ Division of Criminal Justice, Retired
Detective Lt. Bob Driscoll
Port Authority PD, Retired
Sergeant Gary Evangelista
Camden PD, Retired
Sergeant Maggie Freeman
Manalapan, Police Department, Retired
Captain Jason Gerba
Edison Police Department
Jolene Grembowiec
Civilian
Officer Meg Hammond
Raritan Twp PD
Lieutenant Beth Kraus
NJ Dept. of Corrections, Retired
Detective Kevin C. Lyons, Sr.
Long Beach Twp PD, Retired
Detective Frank Mackey
Wayne PD, Retired
Chief Joe Madden
Park Ridge Police Department
Patrolman Eric Micallef
Lakewood Township Police Department
Chief Ranger 1 Bruce Mathews
NJ State Rangers, Retired
Lieutenant Pete Mauro
Park Ridge PD
Detective Larry Mays
Port Authority Police Department, Retired
John McHugh
Wakefern/ShopRite Corporation
PO James McKeever
Port Authority PD, Retired
Captain Ken Miscia, Jr.
Montclair PD, Retired
Lieutenant Chris Neder
Middlesex Co. Sheriff’s Office
Angelo Onofri, Prosecutor
Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office
Detective Lt. Michael Podolak
Port Authority PD, Retired
Patrolman Anthony Pulizzano
Upper Saddle River PD
Sergeant Chelsea Richard
Edison Police Department
Lieutenant Christopher Rinaldi
Secaucus Police Department
Captain Joe Sarnoski
Lyndhurst PD, Retired
Detective Todd Smith
Freehold Twp. PD, Retired
Tracey Tift, Training Officer
Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office
Allan Tittermary, CBPO
US Customs & Border Protection
Captain Glenn Toepert
Saddle Brook PD, Retired
Detective Vito Vacirca
Mercer County Sheriff’s Office
Lieutenant Bill Zika
Port Authority PD, Retired
Law Enforcement Torch Run Partners
The following generous partners have made a financial and focused commitment to events hosted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey.
Contact Us
For information on how to get your local law enforcement community involved, contact us at letr@sonj.org.