Dalton Police Blog

DPD Participates in Law Enforcement Torch Run '09

Officers from the Dalton Police Department joined representatives from other area agencies on Tuesday morning for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, benefiting Special Olympics Georgia.  16 officers from the Dalton Police Department joined deputies from the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office and a firefighter from the Dalton Fire Department and others for the nine mile run through Dalton and Whitfield County.

The run started at the Municipal Court building at 501 West Waugh Street, and moved along Thornton Avenue to Bryman's Plaza.  From there, the runners traveled by bus to the 41 Bypass at Lakeland Road and ran to Valley Point Elementary School where they were cheered on by the students.  Then the runners wrapped up with a five mile run down Highway 41 to the Gordon County Line.

This year, the Dalton Police Department raised nearly $3,600 in support of Special Olympics Georgia.  We sincerely thank everyone who donated money or time to help in this effort.

Click "Play" in the window below to watch video from the Torch Run (video may take a moment to load, click the "HQ" icon to watch in higher quality).

Law Enforcement Torch Run Set for Tuesday

The Dalton Police Department will participate in Georgia’s Law Enforcement Torch Run on Tuesday, May 19th, in support of Special Olympics Georgia. 

Officers from the Dalton Police Department along with deputies from the Whitfield County Sherriff’s Office will meet Tuesday morning at 8:00 am at the Municipal Court Building at 501 West Waugh Street.  From there, the group will run down Thornton Avenue to Bryman’s Plaza.  At Bryman’s Plaza, they will board buses and ride to the South Bypass at Lakeland Road.  From there, they will run along the Bypass to Valley Point Elementary where they will greet students.  From there, the group will run along Highway 41 to the Gordon County line.

The Dalton Police Department has been raising funds for the Law Enforcement Torch Run since February, and to date has raised nearly $3,600 of its target goal of $5,000.  If you want to help, it's not too late!  The department is still accepting donations both at the Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street and also online at www.firstgiving.com/daltonpd.  Each year, the Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics Georgia.  This year, the goal of law enforcement agencies across the state is to raise $800,000, which will account for nearly a third of Special Olympics Georgia’s annual budget.  

Support Special Olympics Georgia! Merchandise Still on Sale!

The Dalton Police Department's fundraising effort for Special Olympics Georgia continues. Law Enforcement Torch Run merchandise is still on sale at the Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street.  T-Shirts, Caps, and Can Koozies are still available. 

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest fundraiser annually for the Special Olympics in Georgia, accounting for nearly a third of the organization's annual budget.  This year, law enforcement agencies across Georgia are hoping to raise a combined $800,000 for SOGA, with the Dalton Police Department setting a fundraising goal of $5,000.  You can see how close we are to the total by checking out our fundraiser meter on the right hand side of the page.  To donate online, visit First Giving.

To get a look at some of the merchandise for sale at the Police Services Center, and to read previous stories about the Law Enforcement Torch Run, click here.

Wal-Mart Makes $1,000 Donation

The Dalton Police Department's fundraising effort for the 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run just got a big shot in the arm on from the Shugart Road Wal-Mart.  Wal-Mart donated $1,000 to the department on Wednesday morning.

Each year, the Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest fundraiser for the Special Olympics in Georgia.  This year, law enforcement agencies across Georgia hope to raise more than $800,000 which will account for more than a third of the Special Olympics Georgia budget.

Wal-Mart was also a major supporter of the Dalton Police Department's Torch Run efforts in 2008, and the department thanks them for their continued generosity.  If you'd like to help the department raise money, you can make a donation online, or you can come by the Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street to purchase Law Enforcement Torch Run t-shirts, hats, and can koozies.

Below: Wal-Mart presents a check to the Dalton Police Department (from left: Sergeant Chris Crossen, Wal-Mart Customer Service Manager Darlene Weaver, and Chief Jason Parker)

Get Your Torch Run Merchandise!

Want to start 2009 wearing the latest fashion?  You need to get your 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run T-Shirt today!

In sleek, stylish gray, the 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run T-Shirt is perfect for family outings, catching the eye of that certain someone, running long distance with a torch, or just lounging around the house... with a torch.  Make sure to complete the look with a 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run Hat and Can Koozie.  

In all seriousness, cheesy fashion ad aside, T-Shirts, Hats, and Can Koozies for the 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run are now on sale at the Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street in Dalton.  It's about more than just looking good (although the shirts look great).  It's for a good cause.  All the money raised from the sale of the Torch Run merchandise goes directly to fund the Special Olympics in Georgia.  In fact, each year the Law Enforcement Torch Run (and fundraising events associated with it) are the largest fundraising effort for Special Olympics Georgia. Updated (3/20/09): The Dalton Police Department's torch run will be May 19th.

Each T-Shirt features the 2009 Torch Run logo on the front, with a list of Torch Run sponsors and some of the top fundraising law enforcement agencies on the back (the Dalton Police Department wants to be on the shirt next year!)  T-Shirts cost $10.00 and are available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large, and 3X-Large. Click thumbnails below for larger versions of the image.

   

Each Torch Run Hat is adjustable and has a 2009 Torch Run logo on the front with the "Guardians of the Flame" slogan across the back. Hats cost $10.00 each, and are adjustable to fit most adults. 

 

Can Koozies also feature the Torch Run logo, and keep your hands warm and dry while enjoying a cool beverage.   Koozies cost $2.00 each.

 

If you want to donate to Dalton's efforts in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, but don't have space in your closet for a stylish new T-Shirt, you can also send checks made out to "Special Olympics Georgia" to the attention of Sergeant Chris Crossen at the Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street, Dalton, GA, 30720.  Or, click here to donate online at a secure website.

Stay tuned to the Dalton Police Blog for more information about upcoming fundraising events to raise money for the Special Olympics!

Law Enforcement Torch Run Kickoff

On Wednesday, the Dalton Police Department hosted representatives from law enforcement agencies across northwest Georgia to kickoff fundraising for the 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run.  Each year, the Torch Run is one of the biggest fundraisers for Special Olympics Georgia. 

Today's kickoff was one of six kickoff lunches held at law enforcement agencies around the state to coordinate efforts to raise money for this year's events.  After lunch, officers watched video of Special Olympics participants and discussed ideas for fundraisers.

This year, the goal of the Law Enforcement Torch Run is to raise $800,000 statewide, which accounts for more than a third of Special Olympics Georgia's budget for 2009.  Updated (3/20/09): The date for the Dalton Police Department's torch run is May 19th.

Beyond being for a good cause, there are also bragging rights on the line as money is raised for the Special Olympics.  Each department's fundraising total is tracked, and the top fundraising agencies get a coveted spot on next year's Torch Run T-Shirt.  The calendar of events in Dalton is still being finalized, so stay tuned to the Dalton Police Blog for updates on how you can help.  To make a donation to the Dalton Police Department's Torch Run effort, send a check made out to "Special Olympics Georgia" to the Dalton Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street.  Or, click here to make a donation online at a secure website which goes directly to the Special Olympics.

Below: Law enforcement officers meet to discuss the 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run (click thumbnails for a larger version of the image)

   

Click "Play" in the window below for video on the Torch Run (video may take a moment to load)

2008 Law Enforcement Torch Run For Special Olympics

Members of the Dalton Police Department, Whitfield County Sheriff's Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the local leg of the 2008 Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics-Georgia this morning. An annual event, the individual officers raise money from others to sponsor their participation. In addition, several officers received corporate and individual donations.

The local torch run route covered nine miles in Dalton and Whitfield County, and included a stop and visit with students at Valley Point Elementary School.

Members of the Dalton Police Department, Whitfield County Sheriff's Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation prepare for the Torch Run

Sheriff Scott Chitwood, and Chief Jason Parker with the torch.

Whitfield Deputies and Dalton Officers at the finish line in Gordon County

Torch Run Donation

Wal-Mart recently donated $1,200.00 for the Law Enforcement Torch Run in May.  Money raised through the torch run will benefit Special Olympics Georgia.  The organization provides year-round sports training for individuals with intellectual disabilities.  The torch run is the largest statewide grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics Inc.  It is held across the nation in every state and in more than 45 countries around the world.  If you would like to help us raise money, you can make a monetary donation by clicking here.

Lt. Cliff Cason, Chief Jason Parker & Sgt. Chris Crossen accept a donation from a Wal-Mart employee

Law Enforcment Torch Run

The Dalton Police Department is gearing up for the Law Enforcement Torch Run in May.  Money raised through the torch run will benefit Special Olympics Georgia.  The organization provides year-round sports training for individuals with intellectual disabilities.  The torch run is the largest statewide grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics Inc.  It is held across the nation in every state and in more than 45 countries around the world.  If you would like to help us raise money, you can purchase a torch run t-shirt or hat for $10 each.  You can also make a monetary donation by clicking here.

Official Torch Run T-Shirt & Hat