HQOBP, joined by participants from other CBP offices (totaling 60+), remained in formation from the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol Building to the field at Fort McNair for the 21st Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, sponsored by the Special Olympics, District of Columbia.

With rain clouds in the sky and humidity in the air, HQOBP and many other law enforcement agencies—such as the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD); the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS); US Capitol Police (USCP); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE); and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—assembled at the U.S. Capitol Building, each wearing the official commemorative Law Enforcement Torch Run T-shirt.

“We believe it is important to come together as part of the law enforcement family to contribute to and support this important cause,” Chief Aguilar stated.

After a speech was given by Honorary Chairman Chief Charles H. Ramsey of the D.C. Metropolitan Police and the National Anthem was sung by CBP’s Linda Gray, the clouds parted and the race officially started, with the sun beating down on the runners.

The mass of law enforcement agents and employees began the run to Fort McNair, if not motivated by the good cause, then at least by the calling of the hotdogs, hamburgers, and ice cold beverages waiting for them at the end of the 2.5 mile run.

Along with food and beverages were games, music, dancing, and most importantly, satisfaction for contributing in the enhancement of the lives of local children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Coordinated by Assistant Chief Jim Wainer and Border Patrol Agent Sal Moreno, HQOBP sold 175 T-shirts, raising over $2600 for the Special Olympics programs in the District of Columbia.

Along with HQOBP’s sale of 175 T-shirts, MPD sold an impressive 1300 shirts, reigning the top sellers for the eighth year in a row. Following MPD was NCIS, who sold 525 T-shirts, USCP with 192, BATFE with 158, and ICE with 115. This year’s event raised approximately $50,000. More than $1 million has been raised for this worthy affair since its inception in the District of Columbia.

“We definitely sold more T-shirts than we did last year, but with MPD selling an impressive 1300 T-shirts, our goal for next year is to expand our sales by going out to our sectors to see what type of numbers we can put up to contribute to a worthy cause like the Special Olympics,” Assistant Chief Wainer stated.

On the front of all the T-shirts was a newly designed Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run logo. HQOBP proudly wore their own unique design on the back of their shirts: the BP coin, the American Flag, and their motto, “Honor First,” thanks to the efforts of their graphic designer, Barry Taylor.

The purpose of the run is to donate money from the T-shirt sales so that the fees are covered for each Special Olympics athlete, coach, and volunteer to participate in the Special Olympics sports training program. Money raised covers uniforms, equipment, facilities, transportation, meals, and most importantly, the medals awarded to the athletes.

To volunteer and contribute in next year’s festivities, contact the Special Olympic District of Columbia’s coordinators Melinda Dee or Maria-Nelly Johnson at (202) 408-2640.