Dodgeville Police assist with a very special torch

Last Wednesday the Dodgeville Police Department helped out a very special cause when they ran one of the legs of the Special Olympics Torch Run.

The run was part of the southwest Wisconsin “leg” and the local part was organized by Dodgeville Police Officer Joe Pepper.  

The leg included the communities of Platteville, Belmont, Mineral Point, Dodgeville, Mount Horeb and Verona.  

“We are told every year we do this that the community of Dodgeville has always had the best turnout for participants,” Pepper said.  

The run through Dodgeville also included an escort by Dodgeville first responder agencies, Dodgeville Police, Dodgeville Fire Department, Dodgeville Area Ambulance Service and the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office.

“They have always been very good about assisting us in everyway possible,” Pepper added.

The Torch Run was started with a movement in 1986 to raise awareness for people with intellectual disabilities and the torch still burns brightly today, according to a news release from Special Olympics of Wisconsin.

“Through their involvement with Special Olympics Wisconsin, law enforcement volunteers champion acceptance and inclusion for athletes with intellectual disabilities, promoting equal treatment and highlighting their unique gifts, talents and abilities,” the release continued.

The games for this region are held in Oregon and games in the entire state are held later in central/northern Wisconsin.