By Erin Holloway, Special Olympics Colorado Athlete Leader

Before Special Olympics, my only thought of Law Enforcement was that they pulled people over and wrote them traffic tickets, and they also took people I loved to jail. They were just doing their job, but I didn’t know the difference at the time.

After I became involved with Special Olympics, everything I believed about Law Enforcement changed. In the mid-90s, my good friend Dean and I were asked to be on a panel and answer questions at the Law Enforcement Torch Run conference. It was then that I met Law Enforcement Officer Kathy Christ, who helped me and Dean with our panel. She made us feel welcome and included in everything. We became instant friends and things just started to roll from that moment on.

Since then, I have been a part of many Law Enforcement Torch Run events, including Tip-A-Cop, where Officers do more than just serve food and raise money for Special Olympics Colorado. They laugh and have fun along with the people they serve. I have run with Officers and fellow athletes down the 16th Street Mall, carrying the Flame of Hope to the steps of the State Capitol to celebrate Special Olympics. I even ran with a Law Enforcement Team carrying the Flame of Hope up to the Summit of Vail Pass. Looking back, maybe I should have been part of the team running down the Summit!

My experience with Law Enforcement through Special Olympics showed me courage and dedication to a cause that the Officers love and support for athletes. My favorite event was being invited to ride in Officer Kim Eaton’s patrol car during Opening Ceremonies at the State Summer Games in Fort Collins, flipping the lights and sirens during the parade of patrol cars. Most people aren’t aware of all the amazing things that Law Enforcement are involved with. They show up at events and cheer for me and my fellow athletes during the competition. They raise money and donate to support Special Olympics. They participate in many different events to raise money, not just Torch Run and Tip-A-Cop. They become long-lasting friends even when they’re finished serving their communities. They give trust and support to those in need.

They show us the true meaning of caring and sacrifice by giving everything they have of themselves to help support what they believe in, such as Special Olympics Colorado. They’re a big part of Special Olympics and I’m proud of the connections I’ve made with Law Enforcement officers.