Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics New York

Running in memory of Trooper David C. Brinkerhoff and in honor of Joe Dubreville

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) will pass through Erie County on Wednesday as the “Flame of Hope” makes its way around the state in support of Special Olympics New York. Wednesday’s run is held annually in honor of two New York State troopers: David Brinkerhoff and Joe Dubreville.

Brinkerhoff died in the line of duty in 2007. He was active participant in this event each year before his death, and his daughter, Izzy, is a Special Olympics New York athlete recently selected to compete at USA Games in 2020.

Dubreville is a former supervisor and special agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement for Homeland Security. He was also an annual participant before he was injured in 2012 during an accident at a backyard ball game.

More than 50 members of local law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes will participate at noon from the Town of Hamburg Police Department, 6100 South Park Ave.

LETR is a time-honored Special Olympics tradition of more than 35 years, led and orchestrated by the “Guardians of the Flame,” which include more than 6,200 law enforcement personnel from more than 470 agencies throughout New York. Together with local athletes and supporters, LETR representatives raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics New York.

Participating agencies will include: New York State Police, Homeland Security investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, Town of Hamburg Police Department, Village of Hamburg Police Department, Erie County Probation Department, among other local law enforcement agencies.

In 2020, the Law Enforcement Torch Run raised nearly $24,000 to support Special Olympics New York athletes and programs in the Western Region.

Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 68,000 athletes with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally.

For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.

Tully’s Good Times Restaurants to Support Special Olympics New
York in Local ‘Law & Orders Night’

In its seventh year as a major sponsor, Tully’s Good Times Restaurants will expand its fundraising effort and team up with law enforcement agencies to support the Special Olympics New York and the Law Enforcement Torch Run initiative, specifically in the Central, Western, Northern New York and the Southern Tier regions.

From 5-8 p.m. today, Tully’s Restaurants will host a “Law & Orders Night.” Local law enforcement and Special Olympic New York athletes team up with the staff from Tully’s to become celebrity waiters for the night. They help serve tables, bus and host for the night to help raise funds for the local athletes.

"We couldn’t be happier to be bringing back ‘Law & Orders’ night in partnership with Tully’s, after having miss last year’s celebration due to the pandemic. Thank you as always to our friends in local law enforcement and at Tully’s locations throughout the state for supporting our Special Olympics New York athletes,” said Stacey Hengsterman, president and CEO of Special Olympics New York.

Established in Batavia in 1991, Tully’s Good Times are locally owned and operated, sports-themed, casual dining restaurants with a family atmosphere. It has 12 locations throughout New York. For more information, including a full menu, list of locations, gift cards and directions, visit www.tullysgoodtimes.com.