Arkansas – The 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Arkansas kicked off in Springdale, bringing together more than 70 officers from across the state to support athletes and celebrate their achievements.
Officials said the event highlighted both athletic performance and the perseverance, sportsmanship, and positivity that athletes demonstrate in everyday life.
The department emphasized the importance of community, effort, and resilience in supporting Special Olympics participants.
During the Night of Honor Banquet, several awards were presented, including the Game Changer Award to Capt.
John Dodd of the Cabot Police Department, the Power in Partnerships Award to Burton Pools and Spas, and the Guardian of the Flame Award to Luke Hartman of the Fort Smith Police Department.
Warren Newman and Terry Kuykendall were also inducted into the LETR for SOAR Hall of Fame.