Palos Park Police Offers Collector Coins To Aid Special Olympics

PALOS PARK, IL —After the coronavirus pandemic not only canceled the annual Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games as well as several fundraising efforts by local law enforcement agencies, the Palos Park Police Department is still attempting to do its part.

The department normally participates in two Special Olympics fundraisers, including the Cop On The Rooftop initiative as well as the Torch Run, which has raised nearly $55 million for Special Olympics since 1986 and which involves 3,000 officers carrying an Olympic-style torch more than 1,500 miles to raise awareness for Special Olympics.

In lieu of the canceled fundraisers, the Palos Park Police Department is offering three different commemorative coins that are embossed with the Law Enforcement Torch Run logo, the Palos Park Police uniform patch and the Palos Park Police badge. All proceeds from the $10 coins will be passed along to Special Olympics Illinois.

According to department officials, purchasing the coins is a way for local residents to not only support Special Olympics Illinois but the efforts of local law enforcement agencies as well. The coins may be obtained by calling Officer Ryan Franczak at the Palos Park Police Department at (708) 671-3771 or by emailing Chief Joe Miller at jmiller@palospark.org.