IT'S TIME!!!  For the 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics.  For those of you I haven't talked to in a while, here's the background:

I work for the Shawnee, KS Police Department as a Detective and Tactical Officer.  I have been participating in the Special Olympics Torch Run every year since 2005.  The idea of this run is that the Torch is passed between Police Departments as it makes its way to Wichita for the Special Olympics Games.  We sell t-shirts and hats in an attempt to raise funds for the Special Olympics. 

Last year, the 23 runners of the Shawnee Police Department raised $10,473 for the Special Olympics.  Unfortunately, my personal fundraising efforts only accounted for $345 of that total.  I want to make this year better and contribute as much as I can to this great cause.  My Police Department has set a goal of raising $12,500 for this years Torch Run and I've set a fundraising effort of $1,000.  Even though I've set that goal, I think it may be low and I'd like to go above and beyond that. 

The kids that participate in the Special Olympics are some of the bravest and coolest people I've ever met.  They epitomize the mantra that "it's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game".  I am thrilled and honored every year to be a part of this effort and I would like to ask your help in my fundraising this year. 

You can make donations through this site and it is a secure transaction.  The prices are as follows: $20 donation = 1 t-shirt -OR- 1 hat.  $25 = 1 long sleeve t-shirt.  If you donate more, you can get more.  For example, $40 - 2 t-shirts -OR- 1 t-shirt and 1 hat, etc.  When you donate, please include an email address or home address (so I can get the shirts/hats to you), and let me know what merchandise you would like. 

Please consider donating to this great cause.  I am thinking that I will either start early or continue on past our city and run more of the run beyond what is just assigned to our Police Department.  I can be purchased as well.  We'll see how many people donate and how much I get and I'll discuss with the highest bidder how long I have to run.  If you want to see me go further, make sure you donate more.  Let's have a bidding war for my stamina on this run. 

The video included on this page is Brody from 101 the Fox running with my Police Department on our leg of the run a couple of years ago.  I'm in there somewhere.