2016 Law Enforcement Torch Run Handbook

Transcription

1 2016 Law Enforcement Torch Run Handbook

2 Table of Contents 1. Message from Torch Run Directors 2. LETR International Fact Sheet 3. LETR Connecticut Fact Sheet 4. Route Map 5. Torch Run Council 6. Torch Run Committees 7. SOCT Contacts 8. Run Safety 9. Crisis Intervention Plan 10. Leadership Opportunities 11. Fundraising Opportunities LETR International Conference 13. Sponsors 14. Social Media

3 A Message From Your LETR Directors The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut is to raise funds and awareness of the Special Olympics movement. Special Olympics is a program which reaffirms our beliefs that with hope and dedication, we can see achievement and self-worth realized by any individual. It is our belief that people with cognitive disabilities, by their involvement in Special Olympics, can show the community at large that there are no limits to human potential or the human spirit. The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots fundraising public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics and is a year-round commitment made by law enforcement officers to raise funds for and awareness of Special Olympics. It has raised $52 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world in It has become our priority within the law enforcement community and a source of pride within our profession. Officers assist throughout the year at various competitions. We encourage you to come out at present awards at any of the events. We are the Guardians of the Flame of Hope. We would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication during this past year. We look forward to continuing to work with everyone in 2015 to make this an even better year! It is through your dedication that helps allow Special Olympics to raise awareness and funds for people with intellectual disabilities. We encourage you not only to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and its various fundraising events, but to also participate in any of the Special Olympics games throughout our state. Let s keep the momentum going in 2016! Todd Pelazza, Director of Public Safety, Fairfield University Lt. Don Crabtree, Wethersfield Police Department (Ret.) Captain Joseph Carlone, Department of Correction

4 Law Enforcement International Torch Run The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics began in 1981 in Kansas as a vision of Chief Richard LaMunyon, a local police chief who wanted to give his officers an opportunity to participate in something positive The International Association of Chiefs of Police is the founding law enforcement organization of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle In 2015, over $52 million was raised for Special Olympics. Since it s inception over $500 million has been raised Over 85,000 LETR volunteers participate across 35 nations and 12 Canadian provinces and 50 US states For World and National Games, officers are chosen to run in the Final Leg and represent nations from around the world Past Final Legs have been held in Indiana, Nevada, Minnesota, Austria, Connecticut, Toronto, North Carolina, Alaska, Ireland, Japan, China, Idaho, Greece, South Korea, New Jersey and California For more information on the International Law Enforcement Torch Run visit

5 LETR Connecticut Fact Sheet The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut is to raise funds and awareness of the Special Olympics movement. Special Olympics is a program which reaffirms our beliefs that with hope and dedication, we can see achievement and self-worth realized by any individual. It is our belief that persons with cognitive disabilities, by their involvement in Special Olympics, show the community at large there are no limits to human potential or the human spirit. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1986 in Connecticut The Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run is a year-round program with events that include: the 3 Day Torch Run leading into the State Summer Games, June 8-10, On June 10, 2016, the Final Leg of the run will converge at Southern Connecticut State University, the site of the annual Summer Games. In 2015 Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run program raised over $520,000

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7 2016 Torch Run Council Honorary Chairmen Lt. Paul Vance Connecticut State Police Chief Joe Dooley Southern Connecticut State University Law Enforcement Torch Run Co-Directors Director of Public Safety, Todd Pelazza, Fairfield University Lieutenant Don Crabtree, Wethersfield PD Assistant Director (Ret.) Captain Joseph Carlone, Connecticut Department of Correction State Torch Run Liaison Lisa Carlone Special Olympics Connecticut President Beau Doherty CSP Liaison TFC Carlo Guerra Department of Correction Liaison Deputy Warden Danielle Borges, MYI University and College Liaisons Lieutenant Tom Madera, Eastern Connecticut State University Sergeant Rob Didato, Fairfield University Council Members Chief Paul Melanson Farmington Police Department Special Agent Ron Littell South Windsor Police Department Detective Sergeant Tim Bernier Guilford Police Department Lieutenant Kelly Walsh Avon Police Department Sergeant Joe Race Madison Police Department Detective Nikki Mordasiewicz Hartford Police Department Officer Abbey Pantani Southern Connecticut State University

8 Torch Run Council Committees 1. Affiliates Chair: Lt. Tom Madera, ECSU PD Committee Description Identify associations, organizations, and groups in Connecticut that have a connection with law enforcement. Encourage each group to participate in and support Torch Run activities and Special Olympics. Coordinate LETR/SO s presence at the CPCA Expo in April. 2. Communications Chair: Sgt. Joe Race, Madison PD Committee Description Working in conjunction with SOCT, develop and maintain communications strategies to enhance the level of knowledge and understanding of LETR activities through various means including the newsletter, LETR page on the website and social media platforms. 3. Marketing & Development Chair: Sgt. Rob Didato, Fairfield University Committee Description Work with staff to identify, develop and cultivate sponsors and fundraising ideas that will assist departments. Collaborate with SOCT staff to make presentation to potential sponsors.

9 Torch Run Council Committees 4. Policies & Procedures Chair: Danielle Borges, Deputy Warden, Manson Youth Institute Committee Description Responsible for updating and maintaining policies and procedures, in conjunction with SOCT, for Torch Run council. To include, organizational structure, branding guidelines, conference selection guidelines and final leg selection guidelines. 5. Awards & Recognition Chair: Special Agent Ron Littell, South Windsor PD Committee Description Develop a plan to recognize LETR members/departments and donors for their contributions throughout the year. This is an addition to the awards that are presented at the annual meeting. 6. Recruitment Chair: Lt. Kelly Walsh, Avon PD Committee Description Develop a plan to recruit new members to LETR. The plan should include a short presentation to be used by all council and SOCT staff when speaking to a new department or a potential town captain. Securing presentations at police academy and/or other venues. If you are interested in working on one of the torch run council committees, please contact the Chairperson or your SOCT liaison.

10 SOCT Contacts Statewide Torch Run Liaison Lisa Carlone x231 Fax: LETR Liaisons Sharon Pelkey (203) x264 Fax: Jackie Turro (203) x265 Fax: LETR Coordinator Jeff Veneziano (203) x270 Special Olympics Connecticut 2666 State Street, Suite 1 Hamden, CT 06517

11 Run Safety The runner s safety is of the utmost importance during the run. Please watch for tired runners and direct them off the running surface or into a trail vehicle. The pace must be maintained at 11 minutes per mile. 1) No children or children in strollers will be allowed to run NO EXCEPTIONS! 1) No participants will be allowed to use roller blades or bicycles. Only Law Enforcement on bicycle patrol assisting in the safety of the run will be allowed. 2) Walkers cannot be accommodated during the run. 3) Runners must maintain an eleven (11) minute mile pace to ensure the proper coordination and timing of the Torch Run. 4) Tired runners will not be allowed to ride on the support vehicle (pickup truck w/ Torch supplies etc.) but must get into a trail vehicle provided by the local department. 5) Runners must never run ahead of the support vehicle (pick-up truck) nor should they fall behind the trail vehicle (CSP vehicle). 6) If tired and unable to maintain pace, runners must move off the roadway onto the sideway or similar surface. Runners can complete the run but must do so out of harm s way. Motorcade will continue maintaining the pace. 7) NO ALCOHOL or intoxicated persons will be allowed to be part of the Torch Run. 8) Remember, the safety of the runners is of the utmost importance to ensure a successful Torch Run. Anyone NOT abiding by these rules will be asked to leave the run.

12 Crisis Intervention Plan The following is the Crisis Intervention Plan for any emergency during a torch run event for Special Olympics Connecticut. Representatives from LETR and the SOCT torch run liaison will determine if the situation is an emergency and, they will determine if a command center needs to be activated. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) (Determines if there is a true crisis) Lisa Carlone, State Torch Run Liaison Cell # (203) Director of Public Safety Todd Pelazza, Torch Run Director Cell # (203) Lieutenant Don Crabtree, Torch Run Director Cell # (860) (Ret.) Captain Joe Carlone, Asst. Torch Run Director Cell # (860) SOCT Emergency # (203) x275 Active Crisis Management Team (Implement crisis management / communications plan) Lisa Carlone, State Torch Run Liaison Cell # (203) Director of Public Safety Todd Pelazza, Torch Run Director Cell # (203) Lieutenant Don Crabtree, Torch Run Director Cell # (860) (Ret.) Captain Joe Carlone, Asst. Director of the Torch Run Cell # (860) Debbie Horne, Director of Communications Cell # (203) Beau Doherty, President Cell # (203) Mike Mason, Sr. VP / CFO Cell # (860) Sergeant Joe Race, Madison Police Department Cell # (203) Actions: Contact emergency and police services immediately. Contact crisis intervention team starting with: Torch Run Liaison, Lisa Carlone (203) If you cannot reach Lisa follow Co-Torch Run Director Todd Pelazza Co-Torch Run Director Don Crabtree Assistant Torch Run Director Joe Carlone PIO Sergeant Joe Race/Madison Police Department If a situation is deemed a potential emergency, an immediate meeting will be called with the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to activate command center and dispatch resources. On Scene Operations Coordinator Evaluate severity Determine event level criteria (refer to Addendum) Determine actions to respond Determine need for other staff and resources

13 Crisis Intervention Plan Incident Commander Establish location for command center in consultation with all parties Obtain continuous updates from Operations Coordinator Brief all leaders on current situation Determine corrective actions as needed Exchange frequent updates with crisis management team as needed Ensure no statements are released unless issued by command staff at command center LETR Event Coordinator Continues with existing event Continue to brief Incident Commander on the status of the event Inform the Command Center if the media is at any events and a PIO is needed. Public Information Officer Determine affected PIO s and notify Gather information related to incident Draft statement and have approved by CIT Determine if PIO s need to have personal at event locations In collaboration with LETR, LETR designated Public Information Officer and Special Olympics Connecticut, one statement is created, it will be determined who gives statement. Event Level Criteria Level 1 Monitor No immediate danger or emergency exists, but the potential is present A minor incident occurs that appears to be a short duration The situation is limited in scope and can be managed by the appropriate administration Level 11 Standby The potential danger is real; key personnel should be prepared to react The situation has the potential for expanding beyond a limited area The situation may continue for an extended duration Additional outside resources are needed Level 111 Emergency Personnel are in danger; facilities are at risk Immediate action is necessary The incident is off property but close enough to affect a facility or involves students and personnel The situation requires the coordination of resources and/or coordination with outside agencies

14 LETR Leadershp Opportunities Town Captain Role and Responsibilities A Town Captain must be a law enforcement officer working within the agency/department in which they will represent. They must be willing to fulfill the responsibilities of the town captain and maintain enthusiasm for Special Olympics Connecticut. Responsibilities: Attend Kickoff and annual meeting, maintain regular contact with the Leg Coordinator and recruit runners and support staff for day of the run Fundraise within your town by organizing and planning events such as tip a cops, cop on tops, shirt and adopt a mile sales Communicate with Leg Coordinator prior to the day of your run with approximate number of runners participating If your route is long and you have numerous officers participating, encourage officers to spread out along the route to avoid large gaps between runners Reinforce that officers running must be able to obtain an 11 minute mile pace (Spreading out officers may be useful) Secure a support vehicle to pick up slow runners Ordering and distribution of the runner t-shirts Collect waiver forms and turn over all pledge donations and waivers to SOCT Reinforce and educate officers on the use of the pledge form and the cost of the T-Shirt Liaise with assigned SOCT coordinator on all fundraising efforts Verify route within town with Leg Coordinator and /or Routes Coordinator. Notify leg coordinator of any traffic or construction issues as soon as possible. Encourage and recruit runners for the Final Leg run on Day 3 of the Torch Run, to include all levels of rank. This takes place at Southern CT State University Jess Dow Field Optional suggestions, not mandatory Organize for your local high school track team to participate (Run with the Law) Organize with schools along your route to come out and support the runners IF YOU ARE A NEW DEPARTMENT AND NEED SOME HELP GETTING STARTED THE TORCH RUN COUNCIL WILL COME OUT AND WORK YOUR EVENT WITH YOU AND GET YOU GOING!

15 LETR Involvement Opportunities Leg Coordinator Roles and Responsibilities Must be a law enforcement officer with strong leadership skills and experience in both managing and motivating people. Also must have prior experience and involvement as a Law Enforcement Town Captain. Responsibilities: Carry out the mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut within a designated geographic area Act as a liaison with the Torch Run Council and SOCT coordinator to ensure that I information is passed from all Agency/Department Town Captains within their leg Responsible for all supplies for the day of the run. Organize truck, driver, staff, and supplies for entire day of the leg. This includes coordinating lunch sponsor and location Please keep in mind lunch is for those who are working and NOT for the runners unless your run takes place before and after lunch by the same department/ town. The Leg Coordinator must be available to participate for the entire day of his/her leg including set up and clean up Recruit a Co-leg coordinator Secure truck, driver and volunteers to provide support for the truck - Ideally you have at least three individuals including yourself: Driver, you and a co-coordinator Schedule regular Leg Meetings for Town Captains and SOCT Representatives in your Leg Attend annual LETR Kickoff and all Leg Coordinator meetings (Mandatory for you or your co-coordinator) Meet with Town Captains within Leg to review their responsibilities for the year with them this can be done via conference calls or group s if meeting is not feasible Maintain regular contact with your Town Captains, encouraging fundraising, runner recruitment and assisting as needed (reinforce waiver and paying for T-Shirt) Maintain regular communication with the Torch Run Committee Leg coordinators should make efforts to attend the final leg at the summer games and encourage town captains to do the same MUST understand and abide by all safety regulations, i.e. no runner to pass truck, large gaps between runners, lighting of torches, running with athletes, etc.

16 Additional Opportunities Encourage your fellow officers to participate in the Torch Run. Run in your local torch run leg. Encourage your fellow officers to participate in current special events and fundraising for your area. Get a team together for your local golf tournament, Penguin Plunges, Over The Edge or other Special Olympics fundraising events Use the Torch Run as a leadership training tool. By giving officers the opportunity to organize and run Torch Run events, you give them a chance to develop or enhance their leadership and management skills. Invite athletes to speak at your department meetings. Through its Athlete Leadership Programs and Global Messenger initiative, Special Olympics trains athletes to be public speakers. Hearing an athlete speak will give officers a better understanding of Special Olympics. Bring officers to local Special Olympics Games to award medals and see the athletes compete. Close personal contact with the athletes during a competition is the best way to motivate officers to become more involved in Special Olympics. Encourage officers to become Unified Sports Partners. Special Olympics Unified Sports brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same teams. Encourage officers to become coaches. Help Special Olympics athletes reach their potential through sports by teaching them the skills they need to compete and win.

17 Fundraising Opportunities 1. Tip A Cop Overview: The goal of the Tip-a-Cop program is to collect as many donations as possible through tips. Police Officers assist with waiting tables at a restaurant and collect tip donations for Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT). Choosing a Location: Find a restaurant with a family friendly atmosphere Quick turnover of the tables can give you better results Many large chain restaurants already support the Tip-a-Cop program such as Chili s, Applebee s, Dunkin Donuts and many more Ask the restaurant where your crew eats, that way you already know the people Choosing a Date: Thursday, Friday and Saturday are popular nights to eat out Avoid Major Holidays too much already going on Make sure local schools or other community groups do not have conflicting events (i.e.. Graduation, concerts, football game, Homecoming, competing fundraisers) Recruiting Volunteers: Distribute flyers throughout your agency Send out an all employees Your PIO really comes in handy here- put them to work Get the rookies involved The more officers, the better You can always ask SOCT to find an Athlete to help out Marketing: Contact SOCT for flyers, posters and press release Post flyer on your Facebook, around town, etc. Supplies: Your SOCT Rep will provide the following: Banners Merchandise for Sale Table Tops Posters Aprons Collection envelopes

18 Fundraising Opportunities 2. Adopt-A-Mile & Adopt-A-Town Event Overview: Officers contact local businesses and ask them to purchase an Adopt-A-Mile sign for $ which will then be placed along the Torch Run route in their town. We have now added another level to this program, Adopt-A-Town. For $500 a business, organization or individual will receive 6 Adopt-A-Town signs to place throughout the town. How to: Send a mailing to local businesses in your town. Your SOCT liaison can you help write and mail letters. Go door to door and talk with the local businesses being personal with the business goes far! Ask friends or family to Adopt-A-Mile Thank You: Once the run is complete you can collect the signs from the route and present to the business owner for them to display if they choose to do so. It is important to thank them for their donation in some way. 3. Dollar Drop Event Overview: Law enforcement officers, local PD s, correctional officers, state troopers, etc., collect donations from customers and the general public at a pre-determined intersection/location in their town/city. These officers collect donations in buckets for a pre-determined amount of time during the day. Getting Started: Identify location (customer traffic, hours of operation, nearby restaurant,/facilities should be considered). Determine time of event and number of officers needed Best to use two per area SOCT will supply sandwich boards for the street and buckets for collections.

19 Fundraising Opportunities 4. Cop-On-Top Event Overview: Law enforcement officers, local PD s, correctional officers, state troopers, etc., collect donations from customers and the general public as they are perched on the rooftops of a building. These personnel cannot come off the roof for a certain number of hours/ days or until the fundraising goal has been reached. This fundraising approach was first adopted in July 2005 and was the first of its kind in Connecticut the first two events raised over $10,000. Getting Started: Identify venue (location, customer traffic, type of venue, hours of operation, rooftop access and architecture should be considered) Outdoor village-style malls, stand-alone or anchor stores in strip-style malls Restaurants (24-hour restaurants are handy i.e. Dunkin Donuts) Indoor malls (although officer will be on top of a cherry picker-style crane) Secure permission from building landlord and date Once permission is granted, contact SOCT and arrange a meeting with the owner/ managers Develop a list of support needs from SOCT and venue owners/managers Act as liaison between venue owner/managers/marketing staffs and local businesses, organizations and individuals that could sponsor, donate food, in-kind gifts, etc Communicate with SOCT staff on all event logistics i.e. supplies, volunteers, PR Recruit law enforcement personnel to staff the rooftops and venue ground level. Secure safe and proper arrangements for themselves and law enforcement staffs for their rooftop stay MAKE INQUIRY OR INTENTION TO ORGANIZE A COP ON TOP EVENT TO SOCT STAFF 10 TO 12 WEEKS BEFORE INTENDED EVENT How Cop-On-Top Raises Money: Promote SOCT merchandise giveaways Work the venue patrons through PA systems or bullhorns Garner pledges per hour before the event Solicit donations from local area businesses (works especially well if venue is located in a strip center, mall or village shopping area) Acquire sponsorships for the event Make cell calls from the rooftop to local individuals and business leaders asking for gifts or pledges Work with venue owners and managers to create giving incentives: matching gifts agreement, donation per item sold, discounts, coupons, etc. These methods increase visitors and business for venue while generating funds for SOCT. For more information on any of these events, contact your SOCT liaison.

20 Fundraising Opportunities Participate in existing SOCT events: Over The Edge at Mohegan Sun - Sept 9, 2016: Imagine the rush of rappelling down the face of one of Connecticut s most recognizable buildings! In 2016, your department has an opportunity to be part of Over the Edge, a unique, heart pounding local event, which is certain to draw statewide media attention, dozens of participants and plenty of curious spectators. Participants must raise a minimum of $1,000 to participate in Over the Edge. Penguin Plunges: Don't miss the coolest event of the year and the opportunity to run, jump or dive into the chilly waters of Connecticut all for Special Olympics Connecticut athletes! For all plunge dates and to register, visit For a complete list of events view our online calendar at: For more information on any of these events, contact your SOCT liaison.

21 2016 International Conference Phoenix, Arizona September (includes travel days) The conference will be held in Phoenix, Arizona September this includes travel days. This will be an exciting conference and while we would love to send everyone to New Orleans, we just don t have the means to do so. However, the conference is open to active LETR members, their spouse and/or guest who would like to cover their own costs to attend. There are three ways to attend the conference in Torch run members will be selected based on the following criteria and SOCT will cover all expenses to the conference. Fundraising totals and year to year growth Individual s potential to raise awareness and funds in the future Overall involvement with the torch run program The same individual or agency cannot attend the conference more than 2 years in a row unless they choose to cover their own costs and they are approved to attend. 2. Torch run members will be selected based on the above criteria and SOCT will cover partial expenses to include: Conference registration fees $ Region1 dinner $40.00 Apparel Item $ $50.00 Attendee or their department will cover these additional expenses: Roundtrip airfare (SOCT will make the arrangements if desired) (estimated costs below) Hotel Accommodations double or single occupancy for 4 nights (estimated costs below) 3. Active Torch run members, who are not selected, their spouses and/or guest, who would like to attend may do so if they want to cover their own costs for the conference. However, anyone wanting to attend the conference must first be approved by SOCT and LETR Board to insure we are not impacting agencies or departments. Special Olympics Connecticut will make all arrangements for attendees, including airfare, hotel accommodations and conference registration, this also applies to those who are covering their own costs. Connecticut attends the conference as a group so we prefer to keep everyone in the same hotel and on the same flights if possible. Airfare $ (approximate) Hotel $ (per person) Registration Fees $ Region 1 Dinner $40.00 If you are interested in attending the conference please let you SOCT liaison know by April 1, 2016.

22 Thank you to our Sponsors

23 Social Media Follow our social media pages for event information, pictures and much more! @SpecialOympicsCT Youtube.com/SpecialOympicsCT For more information and helpful resources visit us online at