15-05-2025
Law Enforcement Torch Run stops in Altoona, continues to State College
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — More than 350 runners representing over 40 law enforcement agencies will end the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run in State College on Thursday. It's for the 14th annual Special Olympics Pennsylvania's 'Be A Fan' torch run.
Law enforcement, who are the Guardians of the Flame, are bringing the Flame of Hope to Penn State University, where Special Olympics Pennsylvania's Summer Games will take place next month.
The Special Olympics Pennsylvania torch started its journey at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. It's a 150-mile trip to Penn State.
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The runners made a stop at Sheetz Headquarters on 6th Avenue Thursday morning, where Altoona police officers continued the journey.
'Every year we do this for the athletes to promote, to promote them, to promote inclusion, and really to show that law enforcement likes to give back to the community, and really how important the athletes are to us,' Matthew Porter, Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, said.
Several agencies from Central PA are participating, including Altoona Police, Blair County Crime Solvers, FBI State College, Ferguson Twp. Police, Patton Twp. Police, State College Police and Tyrone Police.
The torch run ends when the Torch arrives at the Lion Shrine on Thursday evening.
'Rain or shine, we'll reach there this afternoon. And when we come into the opening ceremony for Summer games, it really is an amazing thing when you hear the athletes and their enthusiasm and their excitement for the games. It truly is amazing,' Porter said.
The Be a Fan Torch Run also serves as a run-in memory of fallen officers from across the state.
Over the past nine years, more than $15 million has been raised from Law Enforcement events in support of 15,000 Pennsylvania athletes. Special Olympics Pennsylvania will host the Summer Games at Penn State from June 5-7.
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