Law Enforcement Torch Run earns $4,000 for Special Olympics

June 03--PLATTSBURGH -- Cheers erupted and sirens rang out Friday afternoon as a wave of red T-shirts approached Plattsburgh City Hall.

Runners who participated in the Plattsburgh Law Enforcement Torch Run for the New York Special Olympics raised more than $4,000 this year, said coordinator Scott Ewing, who is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service.

The funds came through T-shirt sales and local sponsorships.

"I want to thank each and every one of you again for a great job," he told the members of local, state and federal law enforcement.

"Without you folks, the athletes couldn't go to the games in June."

In 2016, officers statewide raised more than $2 million for the Special Olympics, Ewing said.

MULTIPLE AGENCIES

More than 70 people took part in this year's run, Ewing said.

Groups and agencies represented included Plattsburgh City Police; the Clinton County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team, deputies and correction officers; Clinton County Probation Department; Clinton County District Attorney's Office; U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations; CBP Champlain Port of Entry Office of Field Operations; CBP Border Patrol; CBP Office of Professional Responsibility; Homeland Security Investigations; State Police troopers, investigators and the Troop B Special Operations Response Team; State Department of Environmental Conservation Police; Adirondack Garda Cycling Club members; and friends and family of law-enforcement officers.

Morrisonville EMS served as the supporting EMS unit.

The group began at Champlain Valley Educational Services on Military Turnpike.

There a tribute for Trooper Brian Falb, which included a moment of silence, took place.

Falb, 47, of Morrisonville, died in March from cancer tied to exposure to toxic materials during his response to New York City's ground zero following the 9/11 terror attacks.

State Police Troop B Public Information Officer Trooper Jennifer Fleishman said Falb was once a big supporter of and participant in the runs.

WORTHWHILE CAUSE

Plattsburgh Mayor Colin Read said he couldn't imagine a more worthwhile cause.

"I hope this counts as your annual physical exam," he added, eliciting laughs.

"One of our guests won a medal in Austria," Read continued, referring to John Piestrzynski of Lake Placid, who took home a silver medal in the cross-country skiing 1K event at the World Winter Games in March.

"You sponsor people who can really show their talents around the world."

'BIG THANK YOU'

Around 50 local athletes will attend the Summer Games at Siena College later this month, Ewing said.

Those include Ron and Ginny Cahoon and Steve Williams, all of Plattsburgh.

Mr. Cahoon said it feels good to have support from law enforcement and to be able to participate in the Special Olympics.

He and Williams, who have been involved for at least 25 years, will play basketball at the upcoming games.

Their team took third place at a recent sectional competition.

And Mrs. Cahoon will play both singles and doubles tennis at Siena.

She took both first and fourth at sectionals, she said.

Asked what she had to say to the law enforcement who ran Friday, Mrs. Cahoon replied, "Just a big thank you."

INVESTED

The Torch Run from Saranac Lake to Lake Placid took place Thursday morning.

At least 20 runners took part in the 9.5-mile journey, which ended at the Olympic Oval, State Police Troop B Recruitment Officer Trooper Bernie Bullis said.

Participant agencies included F.C.I. Ray Brook, State Police, Saranac Lake Village Police, Lake Placid Village Police, Essex County Probation Department, Adirondack Correctional Facility, Essex County District Attorney's Office, Essex County Sheriff's Office and DEC forest rangers.

They raised about $1,800, Bullis said.

He has participated in the Torch Runs since 1996.

"The Special Olympics need to be represented," he said. "I've gotten to know a lot of law enforcement over 20 years. It's great networking.

"It's really good people want to be invested in the community."

A run in Malone is scheduled for June 9.

'THIN BLUE LINE'

Norman Lague, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection patrol agent-in-charge at the Champlain station, began participating in the Torch Runs in the early 2000s when he was stationed in Vermont.

"As a law-enforcement officer, it's important for folks like myself to be part of the community and support the community."

"It's great to support the athletes," said Trooper Francisco Rodriguez, a member of the State Police Troop B Special Operations Response Team.

He has taken part in the run on and off for six years.

CBP Air and Marine Operations Air Interdiction Agent Jesse Remmey volunteers for a couple causes, but the Special Olympics Torch Run holds a special place.

"It brings a lot of agencies together that don't normally work together," he said.

"It's a good way to do the Thin Blue Line, bring it all together."

Email Cara Chapman:

cchapman@pressrepublican.com

Twitter: @PPR_carachapman

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