The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) has long been a fundraising partner with Special Olympics Southern California. From Tip-A-Cops to Special Olympics Summer Games to participating in the 4th Annual Disneyland® 1/2 Marathon, LASD has played an integral role in raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics Southern California athletes.

In 2006, the LASD Women's running team used the Disneyland® 1/2 Marathon as a mid-year training run to benefit Special Olympics Southern California. In 2007, Sergeant Andrea Stella, LASD, coordinated a group that consisted of both male and female runners. "I felt that the Disneyland® 1/2 Marathon was a good way to motivate my co-workers to get into shape," Sergeant Stella said."The race was very gratifying, especially when we were joined by the athletes and their families who expressed their appreciation. The athletes that competed with us and those that were there to greet us at the end of the race were very inspirational."

In 2008, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department alone raised nearly 1/2 of the total funds from the race to support SOSC. Sergeant Stella said, "This year we are looking to get one runner from each station and court to participate in the event to raise even more funds for Special Olympics athletes."

Law Enforcement Torch Run

The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run is a partnership of communities, law enforcement agencies and Special Olympics programming with the goal of raising funds and public awareness for Special Olympics Southern California, while enhancing the quality of life of Special Olympics athletes.

Along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Southern California Law Enforcement officers are committed to the community and to Special Olympics. In fact, California Chief's made Special Olympics the designated charity of Law Enforcement statewide.

As Director of the Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), Chief Roberta Abner (LASD) in 2008 presented a check to Special Olympics Southern California for $900,000. This amount represented the fundraising efforts of law enforcement across Southern California.

Special Olympics values its partnership with the      
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and law enforcement across Southern California.