With two canoes’ worth of help from the Port Gamble S’Klallam tribe, it took local law enforcement just under 12 hours to run the Special Olympic torch across the North Olympic Peninsula on Wednesday.
After starting at 7 a.m. at Laird’s Corner in Port Angeles and crossing the Hood Canal by canoe at 6:55 p.m., the torch will continue this morning on its statewide journey, being carried through Kitsap County.
Law enforcement officers will carry the torch on Friday to its destination at Fort Lewis for the Special Olympics this weekend.
Clallam County Sheriff’s Chief Criminal Deputy Ron Cameron, who helped organize the Clallam County events, said he was pleased with the participation by everyone involved.
Participating in the run were representatives of the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department, Olympic National Park, Port Angeles Police Department, State Patrol, Sequim Police Department, Border Patrol, state Department of Corrections, Coast Guard, Port Townsend Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and the Port Gamble S’Klallam tribe.
“It has been great,” Cameron said.
“The Border Patrol and the Washington State Patrol were both new to the run this year, so it has been fantastic to have them along.”
Another addition was the Port Gamble S’Klallam canoes.
Crucial role
With the Hood Canal Bridge closed for replacement of its east half, the tribal pullers served a crucial role in ferrying the torch the final stretch from Jefferson County into Kitsap County.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Coast Guard sent vessels across the Hood Canal to escort the pullers across the choppy waters.
Jefferson County Sheriff Tony Hernandez said the run was exciting, because it brought attention to the games.
“The Special Olympics are special, because it helps bring awareness to people with disabilities or special needs,” Hernandez said.
“This brings attention to the Special Olympics, and we are happy to be a part of that.”
Cameron said that sentiment was echoed by all those involved.
“We are so happy to be able to participate in this,” he said.
The statewide law enforcement torch run is intended to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics.
To donate to the Special Olympics, contact the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department at 360-417-2459 or the Sequim Police Department at 360-683-7227.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com
