Austin Peay State University ROTC cadet carries Special Olympics Torch

Clarksville, TN – Earlier this summer, Jose Ramos-Lopez, a senior cadet in Austin Peay State University’s ROTC program, found himself running with police officers through the streets of Freehold Borough, New Jersey.

Ramos-Lopez was in the northern state to participate in a Cadet Leadership Course, and he was asked to carry the Special Olympics New Jersey torch during the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which raises money for the Special Olympics.

Ramos-Lopez eagerly accepted the offer to carry the torch because he has supported the Special Olympics in several different capacities over the years.

Members of the Freehold Borough Police Department and students of the Freehold Learning Center joined him on a four-mile leg of the run.

Special Olympics New Jersey was founded in 1982. Today, it is organized and managed by all divisions of law enforcement officers and officials throughout the state.

The police departments of New Jersey conduct these events year round to show their support for the Special Olympics and to maximize charitable donations to serve the athletes in their selected sports. More than $2 million dollars is raised annually by more than 3,000 officers, through local and statewide events such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run.