Police, Locals Carry Special Olympics Torch Through Seal Beach

Some Seal Beach cops chased donations and good will, not crooks, Friday afternoon.

The city police chief, police officers and local residents helped carry the Special Olympics Southern California torch through the streets in an effort to raise money and awareness for the annual sporting event for people with special needs.

Patch caught up with the group as they ran along 12th Street toward the beach before heading northwest on Ocean Avenue.

“Law enforcement has a special relationship with the Special Olympics," said Police Chief Joe Stilinovich as he ran. “These guys are the true heroes, these athletes, and it's the least we could do to support them."

Other participants included long time Seal Beach residents, kids on bikes, and Seal Beach city staff.

The local leg of the Lawn Enforcement Torch Run began after 2 p.m. when the SBPD procession received the torch from the Huntington Beach Police Department.

As the group ran through the city, some people applauded, one person gave them a thumbs up and a few people cheered. A motorcycle patrol officer, a parking enforcement vehicle and a patrol car led the group.

After the winding through about three miles of city roads, the procession handed the torch off to the California Highway Patrol at PCH and First Street.

The torch will continue its journey to light the “Flame of Hope” at Cal State Long Beach, where the games are scheduled to begin Saturday.

For more information on the Special Olympics Southern California, click here.  

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