Members of the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run.

Participants departed the steps of the Patrick County Courthouse at 7 a.m. Monday, bearing the “Flame of Hope” to the Patrick/Henry county line. There, the torch was passed to runners from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, who along with participants from the Martinsville Police Department then carried it to the Henry/Pittsylvania county line.

The torch run is a fund-raising event in which law enforcement officers run the “Flame of Hope” to the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics competition.

Deputy Randy Clark, who organized the local event, said this marked the 11th year Patrick County Sheriff’s Office has participated in the run, which is aimed at helping those with disabilities.  Local officers were joined by Rodney Holt, Sandra Clements and Stacy Shepard. More than 85,000 law enforcement agencies worldwide will participate in the event. (Photo by Amanda Collins)