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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	July, 2007	Return to newsletter index

Police Department Participates in Torch Run!

You see them every year around the end of the first week in June — Several of Saco's Finest participating in the fund raising efforts of the Maine Special Olympics Foundation. Organized this year by Patrol Officer Megan Brownell, the largest contingent ever of officers, Explorers, and friends accepted the torch from Biddeford officers on the Elm Street Bridge that separates the two communities. The goal? The torch must be carried all the way to the Scarborough/Saco line, traveling from Elm Street to Main Street and then following the Portland Road until they meet the Scarborough officers waiting to accept the torch.

Leading the group was Sergeant David Loranger, an experienced runner who is able every year to travel the entire 5.1 mile distance. Joining David this year were Chief Brad Paul and Officers Mike Carrier, Chris Hardiman, Paul Reynolds, and Sharon McGuinness. Also helping out in a show of solidarity were Joe Won, Hope Lanza and several Thornton Academy students.

Pictured above (left to right) at the conclusion of the run are Trooper Bob Bourque, Joe Won, Chris Hardiman, Hope Lanza, Brad Paul, Sharon McGuinness, Paul Reynolds, David Loranger, Mike Carrier, Ben Rumery, Melina Huot and Amanda Strayer.

The Torch Run is in its 22nd year and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Maine's Special Olympics. Starting in Kittery, the torch is passed from officer to officer until it arrives in Bangor, the site of the Games. Chief Paul and Sgt. Loranger have been Saco's stalwarts, both having run in nearly every torch run since the program's inception.

Doing for others and returning something to the community are the hallmarks of a professional, and the efforts of these officers and the other runners are deeply appreciated not only by the Special Olympians and their families, but by the entire community.