Congrats to Jerry D. for winning the Harley Davidson Raffle

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Congrats to Jerry D. for winning the Harley Davidson Raffle 〰️

Welcome, Sheriff Kieran Donahue

We are thrilled to announce and warmly welcome Sheriff Kieran Donahue as the new Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Idaho! Sheriff Donahue brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion to this vital role, and we are excited for the future of LETR under his leadership.

 

About the Law Enforcement Torch Run

The LETR began in 1981, founded by Chief Richard LaMunyon of Wichita, Kansas, with the vision of creating a partnership between law enforcement and Special Olympics. Over the past 40+ years, the LETR has grown into a global movement, raising over $1 billion for Special Olympics programs worldwide. This year alone, LETR has raised more than $50 million, thanks to the dedication of over 90,000 law enforcement officers worldwide.

To learn more about LETR's rich history, visit LETR History.

 

Meet Sheriff Kieran Donahue

Sheriff Donahue is no stranger to leadership. Serving his third term as Sheriff of Canyon County, Idaho, with a fourth term beginning in January 2025, Sheriff Donahue’s commitment to service is evident through his extensive career and contributions.

Here are just a few of his impressive accomplishments:

  • President of the National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) and an active member of its Government Affairs, Border Security, and Domestic Violence Committees.

  • Keynote Speaker and Subject Matter Expert on border security, Mexican cartels, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.

  • Top-Secret Clearance with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

  • Appointed by Governor Brad Little to serve on the prestigious Idaho Criminal Justice Commission (Vice Chair) and Operation Esto Perpetua, focusing on reducing fentanyl and methamphetamine in Idaho.

  • Co-Founder (with his wife, Jeanie) and Chairman of the Man Up Crusade, a nonprofit public awareness campaign regarding the issue of domestic violence in our society.  raising awareness about domestic violence

 What’s Ahead for LETR in Idaho

 

Sheriff Donahue's passion for advocacy and his leadership will bring renewed energy to LETR in Idaho. Under his guidance, we hope to:

  • Expand the reach and participation in the Torch Run throughout the state.

  • Raise even more funds to support Special Olympics athletes.

  • Strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community.

The LETR program is more than a fundraiser—it's a movement. It represents courage, inclusion, and unity, all of which align perfectly with Sheriff Donahue’s values and lifelong work.

 

We are honored to have Sheriff Donahue at the helm of LETR Idaho. Together, with his leadership and your continued support, we can create even greater opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to shine on and off the field.

 

Welcome aboard, Sheriff Donahue!

 

 

  • Who We Are

    The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. Annually, more than 110,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.

  • What We Do

    The LETR for Special Olympics Idaho engages law enforcement agencies statewide championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities. Over the years the Torch Run has evolved and now encompasses a variety of innovative fundraising platforms to include Polar Plunge, Tip-A-Cop, Baggin for Bucks and more.

    Since its inception, LETR has raised almost 900 million dollars worldwide and changed millions of attitudes.

  • Why We Do It

    As LETR Founder and retired Chief Richard LaMunyon once said, “What started in 1981…as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide.” Through the partnership of LETR and Special Olympics, we provide opportunities for athletes to empower and transform themselves, their communities and the world.

    LETR is changing the future for people with intellectual disabilities and lighting the way for acceptance and inclusion.