SOUTH RIVER, N.J. — Officers from the South River Police Department, joined by local school students, participated Friday in the 42nd annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey.
The event, which draws participation from law enforcement agencies statewide, saw South River runners receive the symbolic “Flame of Hope” torch from East Brunswick Police at the intersection of Old Bridge Turnpike and Racetrack Road. From there, participants continued through South River, down Main Street, and handed the torch off near Milltown Road and Route 18 to members of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and East Brunswick Police.
Organizers said the run is designed to support Special Olympics athletes by encouraging donations from each participating runner. Students from South River schools joined the officers in the effort, and community members lined the route with cheers, signs, and honking horns.
“Thank you to all who donated or raised money for this important cause,” the department said in a social media post. “The waves, cheers, and horn honks along the way all motivated the runners.”
The Torch Run spans approximately 750 miles across New Jersey on 26 separate routes, culminating in the cauldron lighting ceremony at the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games at the College of New Jersey in Ewing.
Statewide law enforcement support continues
More than 3,000 officers are expected to take part in this year’s relay, which remains one of the largest grassroots fundraising efforts in the state for the Special Olympics organization.
The South River Police Department has participated in the Torch Run for decades and acknowledged the continued support from local residents and school officials in helping make the event possible.
