Special Olympics Torch Run dedicated to killed state trooper

Suquamish Police Sgt. Swift Sanchez and probation officer Riel Padron carry the Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch along State Route 305 May 31, just outside Poulsbo. - Megan Stephenson/ Herald
Megan Stephenson/ Herald
Suquamish Police Sgt. Swift Sanchez and probation officer Riel Padron carry the Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch along State Route 305 May 31, just outside Poulsbo.

May 31, 2012 · Updated 12:59 PM 

POULSBO — Law enforcement officers ran through Kitsap County Thursday, May 31, in the annual Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run.

The run honors all Special Olympic Athletes throughout Washington state, and had added significance this year.

“We decided to honor Trooper Tony Radulescu’s sacrifice and service to Kitsap County and the State of Washington by dedicating the Kitsap County segment of the Torch Run to Tony,” Kitsap County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Hedstrom said. Radulescu was shot to death during a traffic stop on State Route 16 near Gorst around 1 a.m., Feb. 23.

The Washington State Troopers Association purchased a special torch that will be lit with the regular Special Olympics torch during a brief ceremony at the Port Orchard Marina beginning at noon the same day of the run.

The torch was carried by Bainbridge Police, Suquamish Police, Poulsbo Police, Kitsap County Sheriff, Bremerton Police, Port Orchard Police, Washington State Patrol and Gig Harbor Police — from the Bainbridge Island Police Station to the Cushman Trail and over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

The final segment of the run begins at the Lakewood Police Department at about 5 p.m. Friday, June 1, with the torch finishing its journey into Joint Base Lewis McChord.

 

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