Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913

Guardians of the Flame

Law Enforcement Carry Special Olympics Torch Through V.C.

The Special Olympics Torch made its way through Valley County May 8 and 9. Each year the torch traverses the state carried by local law enforcement officials on its way to the State Games in Great Falls.

This year the flame left Wolf Point on May 8 via bicycle and was transported the entire 49 miles by Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Mitch Willet.

After arriving in Glasgow, the torch was handed off to Chief of Glasgow Police Brien Gault and Sheriff Tom Boyer by Jaki Harata – the daughter of Wolf Point Chief of Police Jeff Harata. Escorting the torch from Wolf Point to Glasgow was MHP Sgt. Jeff Kent, MHP Trooper Colleen Timmins-Lee and Roosevelt County Deputy Frederick Lee.

On May 9, the torch passed through Glasgow in the morning. Leaving from the Cottonwood Inn at 8:30 a.m., it was carried by members of the GPD and VCSO and escorted by the Glasgow Fire Department, the Long Run Fire Department, FMDH Paramedics, MHP Troopers, Chief Gault and Sheriff Boyer.

The torch bearers then met up with area athletes and members of the community about 3/4 of the way through town and processed until passing off the flame to Glasgow High School students on the west-end of town. They carried the flame before passing it off to Hinsdale High School students who carried it through Hinsdale. It was then passed off to Phillips County Sheriff's Office deputies in Saco.

Each year law enforcement around the state volunteer to bear the torch around the countryside to raise awareness for Special Olympics and give back to the community. Organizing for the event this year was Deputy Alex Esteves of the VCSO and GPD Sgt. Tyler Edwards.

Edwards had the following to say about the event, "We have one of the most generous communities, the people of NE MT that I know. Always donating their time along with their money.

It is truly an inspiration to watch the joy on all the athletes faces as local first responders in full attire were throwing a celebration in their honor.

The law enforcement Special Olympics movement continues to gain steam year by year and it's great to see our businesses and community joining in on this great cause."

 

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