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Torch Run Awards

Hall of Fame and Unsung Hero Awards

Every year the Minnesota Law Enforcement Torch Run recognizes two individuals for their outstanding contributions to the Torch Run Program. If you would like to nominate an individual or group for the award, click on the following award links or contact Chad Trench at chad.trench@somn.org.

LETR Unsung Hero Application (PDF)
Torch Run Hall of Fame Application (PDF)


Hall of Fame Award

Purpose
The Minnesota Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame Award was created to recognize outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to the statewide success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Minnesota. 

Selection
Nominations/Applications may be submitted by an individual, a law enforcement agency or a Special Olympics program. There may be one or more inductees per year, to provide for the growing number of quality nominees. The decision as to the number of inductees and the selection is determined by the Selections Committee.

Criteria
The nominee’s involvement must demonstrate a sustained and significant contribution to the achievement of the goals of the Law Enforcement Torch Run®. The minimum requirements for this award are at least fives years of participation with the Torch Run, achievement in program development, organization and fundraising success.


Hall of Fame Award Recipients    

2008 - FOP Lodge 11
FOP Lodge 11 has been active in the Torch Run Program for the past 3 years. Since the rebirth of the Torch Run Program in the Brainerd Area, Lodge #11 has been there without hesitation to volunteer at events. If not for the members of this lodge, the Brainerd Area Polar Bear Plunge, Torch Run and Local Competition Award Ceremonies would not be as successful as they have. Lodge 11 continues to be an incredible asset to Area 5 and to Special Olympics Minnesota!

2006 - FOP Lodge 1  

2005 - Shawn McGovern Duluth Police Department
 

2004 - Sergeant Kevin Torgerson Olmsted County 
          Sheriffs Office
 


2003 - Sheryl Bjorkman Hennepin County Sheriffs Office
 

2002 - Ken (KC) Reed Rochester Police Department


Steve Bikkie Jr. Memorial / "Unsung Hero" Award

Purpose
The Officer Steve Bikkie Jr. Memorial "Unsung Hero" Award was created to recognize outstanding individuals who have contributed to the success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® on a local, state or community level.  The award is intended to be presented annually by the representatives of the Minnesota Law Enforcement Torch Run and to recognize an unsung Torch Run volunteer on behalf of Officer Steve Bikkie Jr. who was himself an unsung Torch Run hero.

Selection
Nominations/Applications may be submitted by an individual, a law enforcement agency or a Special Olympics program. There may be one or more inductees per year, to provide for the growing number of quality nominees. The decision as to the number of inductees and the selection is determined by the Selections Committee.

Criteria
The nominee should be someone who contributes to the Torch Run and Special Olympics in spirit, dedication and enthusiasm in an effective and unheralded fashion. The award was also created to honor the memory of Officer Steve Bikkie Jr., Lino Lakes Police Department and his many contributions to the Minnesota Law Enforcement Torch Run program and Special Olympics Minnesota. 

The minimum requirements for this award are at least five years of participation with the Torch Run, achievement in program development, organization and fund raising success.


"Unsung Hero" Award Recipients

2008 - Brian Peters, Brooklyn Center Police Department

2006 - Chief Gordon Vlasak, Savage Police Department

2005 - David Kernal, Ramsey County Sheriff's Office 

2004 - Deputy Tim Clancy, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office

2003 - Detective Tim DesMarais, Stearns County Sheriff's Office
 
2002 - Julie Duehring, New Ulm Police Department
   

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