The runners pose before the American Flag sketched on the wall near the Sigur Center. Participants included Adolph “Junior’’ Kreger, David Hebert, Craig Taffaro, Lisa Jackson, Paul Rodi III, James Harper, Chad Silcio, Chad Clark, Johnell Young, Christopher Cousins Jr., Shannon Desroche, Robert Mire, Clinton Nation, Chris Encardes, Andre Dominick, Tommy Duplessis, Adrian Chalona, Jason Saltamachia, Jeffrey Babin, Chip Englande, Jessica Gernados, Ryan Laylle, Patrick Campo, Brad Alfonso, Carlo Cacioppo, Jaymes Price, Brett Nabors, Roy Pier, Jason Gernados, Scott Keller, Michael Garrity, Austin Arteaga and Jared Taylor.

The 28th local Law Enforcement Torch Run marked the beginning to this year’s Louisiana State Special Olympic Summer Games. The events taking place all over Louisiana are an organized effort to draw support for the games.

St. Bernard Sheriffs office, parish government, D.A.R.E. officials and corrections department employees participated in the event on May 20, coinciding with the start of Louisiana’s Special Olympics. The games were held from May 20-22, 2011, on the Southeastern Louisiana University Campus in Hammond.

Those participating in St. Bernard’s leg of the run began in the parking lot of the Sigur Civic Center, and were escorted by sheriff’s vehicles and motorcycles onto Jean Lafitte, crossing St. Bernard Hwy twice, and looping back before completing the run passed the sheriff’s office, Torres Park and into the parking lot once more.

An American flag was held for the entirety of the route, and was passed amongst the runners.
Officers across the state began carrying the torch to Hammond on May 16. The events culminated with the Game Opening Ceremonies on May 20.

The event was sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; Walmart; Valero; St. Charles Refinery; Smokin’ Blues and BBQ Challenge; AT&T; Louisiana Wildlife Agents Association; IREM Louisiana – Chapter 55; Paragon Casino and Resort; Louisiana Masons; CLECO; Grand Casino Coushatta; Louisiana Fraternal Order of Police; Louisiana Sheriff’s Association; Treasure Chest Casino; Louisiana Lottery Corporation; Interactive E-solutions LLC; and Rotolo’s Pizzeria.