Island Police Participate In Torch Run
Posted July 26th 2021
Members of the Avalon and Stone Harbor police departments recently joined other Cape May County police officers participating in the annual Torch Run. The run is held throughout New Jersey, as law enforcement officers traditionally carry the “Flame of Hope” through the state to the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games Opening Ceremony.
Patrolman Joe Stoltenberg and Class 1 Special Officer Alexis Hagner, who also serves as an administrative assistant, represented the Avalon Police Department in the Torch Run this year.
“I am extremely proud of the Avalon Police Department officers and civilian staff who volunteer for the Torch Run, and raise money and awareness for the Special Olympics,” said Avalon Police Chief Jeffrey Christopher. “In addition to this run, our officers also volunteer to participate at the award ceremony, handing out medals to athletes. It is an honor to work in this profession with people that care about others, and want to support the mission of the Special Olympics, standing as positive influences for the athletes during their endeavors and accomplishments.”
SHPD has participated in the Torch Run every year since 1991, with Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour being one of the original officers to join for Cape May County. This year’s participants included Police Chief Thomas Schutta, Sgt. Matt Sokorai, Officers Keith Santini and Daniel Gomez, and Special Law Enforcement Officers Nick McLaren and Tim Meineke.
“It is our pleasure to be partnered with law enforcement officers from around Cape May County and the state, to support the Torch Run and the New Jersey Special Olympics,” Schutta said. “For the past decade, Sgt. Sokorai has organized a contingent of our full-time and part-time officers to run annually, and we are extremely proud of his efforts to further the department’s assistance over the last 30 years to such a worthy cause.”
This year, more than 3,000 officers participated in the run, carrying the flame more than 750 miles. Due to COVID-19, a virtual dance party was held in place of the opening ceremony. For more information on the New Jersey Special Olympics program, go to sonj.org.
Photo caption: This year’s participants in the open-water rescue course,provided by North Wildwood Fire Department. |
