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 (Microsoft Word)
Torch Run Hall of Fame Application (Microsoft Word)
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
| 2011 |
Rodney Seurer |
| 2010 |
not awarded |
| 2009 |
Jen Lenarz |
| 2008 |
FOP Lodge 11
|
| 2006 |
Gordon Vlasak |
| 2005 |
Shawn McGovern
Duluth Police Department
|
| 2004 |
Sergeant Kevin Torgerson
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office
|
| 2003 |
Sheryl Bjorkman
Hennepin County Sheriff's 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
| 2011 |
Colleen Bouta |
| 2010 |
not awarded |
| 2009 |
Jim Felt |
| 2008 |
Brian Peters
Brooklyn Center Police Department |
| 2006 |
FOP Lodge 1 |
| 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 |
