UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 29, Page 5
April 28, 1994
Public Safety staff to help Special Olympics

     The month of June will begin with a Delaware Special Olympics event
designed to draw attention to the needs and programs of the state-wide
organization.
     A new, pre-torch run, bike ride of 24 miles from Fenwick to Rehoboth
will occur on June 1. The torch will be "biked" to the Gala Send-off, which
is part of the eighth annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), which leaves
Rehoboth Beach the evening of June 1.
     LETR is planned to continue to Dover on June 2, with a noon
celebration at Legislative Hall, followed by an arrival at Odessa. On June
3, a noon celebration will take place at Rodney Square in Wilmington and
then the "Flame of Hope" will be carried to the University of Delaware for
the opening ceremonies of Summer Games '94.
     More than 250 law enforcement personnel, including those from the
University's Department of Public Safety, are expected to join together to
make the 112-mile run in relays, according to Jim Grimes, police manager,
who is coordinating the University's participation. Many others will assist
in support services and traffic control and as summer games volunteers and
coaches.
     The bike ride and torch run are part of the Super Cop Triathalon,
which also included the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge in February. At that time,
four dedicated employees from Public Safety joined other "super cops" for a
plunge into the ocean at Cape Henlopen State Park to benefit the Special
Olympics.
     Those dashing into 30-something degree water, while bundled-up
onlookers cheered from shore, were Grimes; Cynthia Gruttadauria, service
supervisor; Holly Santillo, security officer; and Larry Thornton, associate
director.
     Those who take part in all three events of the Super Cop
Triathlon- swim, bike and run-will receive a Super Cop Tri T-shirt and
recognition at the Summer Games.
     Another fundraising activity for law enforcement personnel is selling
advertisements to local businesses for the Special Olympics yearbook, with
all proceeds benefiting the athletes through year-round training and
athletic competition, according to Grimes.
     For further information about the LETR, call Grimes or William
Katorkas, police manager, at 831-1184.
                                                  -Sue Swyers Moncure