Photos: Police Run Special Olympics Torch Through Essex County

This morning, police departments throughout Essex County ran the second to last leg of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Special Olympics torch run.

The torch began its journey this morning at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in West Orange before making its way along Verona Park to Bloomfield Avenue, where the torch was passed off to Verona Police officer Timothy Banta.

Banta, along with a cadre of other police officers and vehicles, continued the 6.5 mile run up Bloomfield Avenue, through Montclair, Glen Ridge, and ultimately ending at the Bloomfield P.B.A. Local #32 headquarters on Watsessing Avenue, where the final torch bearer, Montclair Police officer Chris Locklear, kicked up his heels and sprinted to the finish.

More than 40 officers  participated in this year's torch run, which has raised money for the Special Olymics every year for the last 18 years.

Montclair Police Lt. Kenneth Miscia, who co-coordinated the run with Montclair Deputy Chief Perry Mayers, said the run raises money for a great cause.

"We get real gratification out of providing athletes with all the opportunities the Special Olympics has to offer," Miscia said, noting New Jersey is one of the only Special Olympics events that provides all gear and equipment to participants free of charge.

"It's all worth it once you put that metal or ribbon around their neck and watch them light up. Everyone says the athletes get a lot out of participating in the event, but I can tell you from experience that the officers involved in this get just as much out of it," he said.

Miscia said even before the run, officers had raised nearly $100,000 for the Special Olympics through businesses and individuals sponsoring the officers who ran, and that the number is expected to climb sharply after the weekend.

The torch run is the kick off to the New Jersey Special Olympics Summer Games, which will be held all weekend long at The College of New Jersey.

Do you a Special Olympian or team who should be profiled? Will you attend the Summer Games? Please let Patch know and send your photos to: marciaw@patch.com