May 11 – Dozens of police officers and deputies gathered Friday morning at the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run – the first since former Decatur police chief, Ed Taylor, a supporter of the Special Olympics, died last month.
“It’s a wonderful event,” said Carol Taylor, Ed Taylor’s widow. “They raised many, many dollars for the Special Olympics, and my son has benefited so much from this program and everything these guys do for us. We just appreciate it. He (Ed) would be so happy.”
Ed Taylor began his career with the Decatur Police Department in 1974 and served as chief from 2010 until his retirement in 2016.
Ed and Carol Taylor’s son, Lane Barnes, mingled with Decatur police officers before the 10 a.m. torch lighting. Others, in sportswear and running shoes, stretched out in the parking lot. It was a good morning for running: a cool breeze broke the humidity under a cloudless sky.
“We have several of our special response and SWAT teams here because Chief Taylor was the one who helped create the SWAT team,” said Decatur Police Chief Todd Pinion. He praised the event as a positive community engagement effort. “Obviously, whenever we can partner with the sheriff for such a worthy cause, we will do so.”
Started in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) sees more than 97,000 law enforcement officers in all 50 states carry the torch, called the “Flame of Hope,” at the opening ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions. With support from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, LETR has become the largest public awareness and fundraising group for the Special Olympics and has raised more than a billion dollars. Ed Taylor is responsible for bringing the effort to Morgan County.
“We want to keep this going,” Morgan County Sheriff Ron Puckett said. “We really wanted to hold this torch leg in his honor and memory today. We’re part of the North Alabama leg; there’s also a South Alabama leg. Everyone runs to Troy University, and that’s where they have the Special Olympics.”
Before reaching Decatur, the torch passed through Huntsville and Athens. On Wednesday, he will head south through Anniston and other cities before arriving at the Trojan Arena Opening Ceremony at 7 p.m. next Friday.
“We do this to raise awareness in our community,” Puckett said. “These Special Olympics — that’s why we do this.”
Hartselle Police Chief Justin Barley said he feels a special connection to the event, as his autistic nephew has participated in some local games.
“Being able to go to some local events and see the pure joy that athletes experience at these competitions can’t help but put a smile on your face and lift your spirits,” he said. “I just think it’s a great cause that everyone can come together for, and I’m happy to see so much support here today for it.”
Before the race, officers purchased — with proceeds going to the Special Olympics — and wore beige shirts with torch logos on the front and “Honor the Fallen” on the back.
“Remember, the torch is always in front,” Bob Copus addressed the group. He is the Special Olympics Alabama law enforcement representative and a retired police officer for 37 years. “It’s hot.”
Copus then lit the torch and handed it to Barnes, supported by his mother. MCSO Captain Perry Shands led the group of runners under the flagpole toward Lee Street, where the group disappeared on a mile-long loop through downtown before returning. Refrigerators with bottled water waited in the parking lot.
Next week is Law Enforcement Appreciation Week. The annual Morgan County Fallen Officers Memorial will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. near the Cain Street entrance of the Morgan County Courthouse in Cotaco Park.
Puckett said he and Pinion also plan to grill for their employees.
“We usually have a week apart,” Puckett said. “Since they’re on the stove, we’ll grill burgers and hot dogs. It’s always fun to do. It’s a fun week.”
Barley said the Hartselle Police Department’s citizens police academy often provides meals to officers during Appreciation Week as an extra way of saying thank you.
“We’ll be here for the memorial, of course,” he said. “I was never able to attend the memorial service in Washington, D.C., but I always try to watch the live broadcast. It’s a somber but very special event to see so many people come together and pay tribute to police officers across the country. country that lost its life last year.
“I hope to eventually get there in person one day.”
– david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438.
