FEATURELOOK
Edmond & OKC Police Officers serve at Tip-A-Cop
Law Enforcement
Torch Run By Amy Dee Stephens
Deputy Chief Brian Jennings with a Special Olympics athlete
banter on the golf course, all competitors are cheered along, and there are no winners or losers. According to Brian Jennings, Oklahoma City Deputy Chief, watching Evans and Tyler is a motivating force behind his continued involvement with Special Olympics. He first volunteered in 2012 and is now the director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Jennings has witnessed the positive benefits of having police involvement with the Special Olympics, from creating positive relationships to showcasing the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities. The downside? Tired smile muscles. “You can’t help but grin when you are handing out medals,” said Jennings. “There’s so much joy. The athletes just love police officers. We can spend hours getting our photos taken with the kids.”
Since 1986, police officers in Oklahoma have volunteered at Special Olympics, and the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run is their largest, most-visible event. Volunteers from over 180 police agencies carry torches, running routes that ultimately end at the opening ceremony held in Stillwater. “Edmond police department participants run to the Oklahoma State Capital, uniting with other agencies,” said Tom Evans, Captain at the Edmond Police Department. “We all meet in Stillwater where there’s Supporters Needed a huge police presence along the parade Traditionally, Oklahoma has the largest route to the lighting of the torch, kicking off Summer Games in the United States, with the event.” Capt. Tom Ev ans and son Tyler over 12,000 athletes. It’s an expensive Evans started volunteering for Special undertaking, so police officers spend Olympics in 2001 when his son, Tyler, was born with Dandymonths fundraising. In addition to the torch run, officers Walker Variant. Consequently, the father/son team has participate in Tip-A-Cop, in which officers gather at local participated in Special Olympics for Tyler’s entire life. “Tyler restaurants to serve drinks to customers in exchange for loves being outdoors. He wanted to start golfing when he tips. Another annual fundraising event is the Polar Plunge, was really young, so I got certification as a Special Olympics where officers jump together into cold water. One incentive golf coach, but truthfully, he’s a better player than me!” for police units to participate was Jennings offering to jump Evans said. “The Olympics is a super-special time for our in with them, and in February, he plunged 13 times. “I was family, and we’ve both made lifelong friends, too.” all numb, but everyone who did it said they would come Anticipating This Summer back,” Jennings said. Because of Evans’ long-term contributions to the torch It was recently announced that Jennings will carry the run, he was selected for the 2020 Tim Stafford Unsung Hero Flame of Hope torch at the USA Games in Florida. Until Award, which comes with the honor of lighting the Flame then, he’s raising donations and recruiting volunteers of Hope at the Special Olympics ceremony. Although the for Stillwater. “It’s fun and easy to help, or just go watch,” event was canceled due to Covid, Evans was honored by the Jennings said. “What really gets to me is watching the family nomination. After a two-year delay, he and Tyler are greatly members. They are so proud and excited. Their thankfulness anticipating this summer’s Special Olympics on May 11th. and appreciation at the event keeps me going.” Evans admits that while there might be some good-natured Visit sook.org to learn more. 18
l
EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM
l
MAY 2022
