Jean Lafitte Parkway in Chalmette came alive with the “Flame of Hope’’

on Thursday, May  17, during the St. Bernard leg of the Law Enforcement

Torch Run for Special Olympics Louisiana.

About 35 deputies from the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, four agents

from the state Wildlife Department and associates of the new Arc center for

people with intellectual disabilities participated.

The Torch Run, which included adults on 3-wheel bicycles from the Arc

Center at 3700 Jean Lafitte – which is the rebuilt former rectory for

Prince of Peace Catholic Church – started and ended at the Arc.

The center, which opened in the last year, provides a support system

for intellectually disabled adults.

“The Flame of Hope’’ torch, symbol of the Special Olympics torch run,

was carried by children and adults from Arc. The Sheriff’s provided

an escort for the run.

The aim was to bring awareness to Special Olympics Louisiana and the

State Summer Games held each May in Hammond. The event in

St. Bernard raised in excess of $500 for Special Olympics.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

was celebrating its 29th year. More than 2,000 law enforcement officers

took part statewide.

Sheriff-elect James Pohlmann, who visited the Arc before the Torch Run to

congratulate participants.

The following St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies took part in the Torch Run

or donated money:

Brian Clark, Scott Maitrejean, David Hebert, Robert Roger,

Tommy Duplessis, Mike Plaiscia, Jason Saltalmachia, Daniel Bostic,

Leander Morgan, Joseph Alfonso, Chris Cousins, Lisa Jackson, Richard

Jackson, Chip Englande, Ronnie Martin, Chad Clark.

Jessica Gernados, Wayne Babin, Andre Dominick, Brad Alfonso, Jacob

Ricourd, Robert Mire, David Culpepper, Jeff Babin, Ronnie Johnson,

James Harper, Chad Silcio, Adrian Chalona, Adolph Kreger, Justin Meyers,

Eric Eilers, Clinton Nation, Ryan Laylle, Katie Poche.

Taking part from the state Wildlife and Fisheries Department were Brett Nabors,

Jason Gernados and Scott Keller.

Tag’s Meat Market of Chalmette donated the food for the post-race lunch for the

participants from Arc and the law enforcement officers who took part

in the Torch Run.