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WHEREAS, the primary goal of the Western Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is to raise awareness and funds for the amazing athletes who participate in Special Olympics throughout the world; and,
WHEREAS, The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an actual running event in which officers and athletes run the Flame of HopeTM to the Opening Ceremony of local, state and National Special Olympics competitions. The Torch Run began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase awareness of Special Olympics and it was quickly adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), now recognized as the founding law enforcement organization of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics; and,
WHEREAS, the Torch Run initiative encompasses a variety of fundraising efforts in addition to the Torch Run itself. This year the local LETR, whose Chair is Darrel Parker, a retired Police Chief currently working for the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office and whose Plunge Co-Chair is our own Commander Scott Schubert of the City of Pittsburgh Police Bureau, Zone 6, is hosting the first annual Special Olympics Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Polar Plunge to be held on the North Shore, Heinz Field boat ramp, on Saturday, December 4th, 2010 where the event will be emceed by former Steeler Super Bowl Champ Jerome Bettis; and,
WHEREAS, by participating in the plunge or sponsoring someone who is, you are benefiting nearly 20,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities by giving them opportunities to develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, demonstrate courage and self-confidence, experience joy and a more positive self-image as a result of receiving year-round training and competition programs at no cost to themselves or their families; and,
WHEREAS, although members of law enforcement helps raise nearly 30 million dollars a year for Special Olympics, the officers give much more than the funds raised; they give the Special Olympians acceptance, friendship and encouragement because they care about this worthwhile cause and it gives them an opportunity to give something back to the community; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend law enforcement officers for "freezin' for a reason"; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, December 4th, 2010, to be "Take the Plunge Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.