GOING THE EXTRA MILE

It was time to pass the torch for the organization of the Law Enforcement Torch Run supporting the Special Olympics. Longtime organizer Deputy April Phillips, who carried that torch for years after the late Dave Hedley, passed the duty on to Deputy Roy Scott. Scott wasn't shy about sharing the complications of his first year taking on the volunteer role, "It was a struggle from beginning until the day of the event. I was lucky to have some very strong support from the community and about 60 other volunteers while I learned the ropes." Scott had participated in a Special Olympics basketball tournament in Helena while in the academy, the positive feelings from that experience prompted him to take on the local torch run effort.

The Montana portion of the nationwide event involves transporting the torch on foot, horseback or bicycle for 2,300 miles from 13 different starting points. Sanders County faithfully does its part year after year, carrying the torch from the Idaho state line all the way to mile marker 77 in Plains.

"Reserve deputy Kyle Cox and Shannon Chonjnacky took care of organizing the legs from the state line to mile marker 50 – which was a huge relief for me. I was able to focus on nailing down the route from there to Plains," shared Scott, who also credited his wife Tina and daughter Kristina with the tech-savvy end of things, answering emails and phone calls with donors and the Torch run headquarters.

Scott estimated that about $4,500 was raised for the cause, with about $3,200 coming from T-shirt sales alone. Scott is calling those estimates a success, especially considering the snags he met along the way during the learning curve (compared to about $3,000 raised in 2016)

Students from Mountain Meadows Youth Ranch kicked off the run at the state border at 6:42 a.m. Saturday, carrying the torch to mile marker 17. Horseback riders continued the relay until mile marker 50 in Thompson Falls where participants took a break at the firehall for a barbecue lunch that has become a tradition of the event.

Troy Hinck of Thompson Falls was handed the torch and rode on bicycle 3 miles before passing it on to runner Kim Roberts, for a 2-mile jaunt. Kathy Maudrone of Thompson Falls cycled 5 miles until she met up with students from Building Bridges to continue for 10 miles. Clients from Little Bitterroot Services were able to march with some fanfare through Plains for their part of the event.

Following the lunch break, the entourage of equestrians, law enforcement, fire fighters and supporters walked behind members of the Falls Special Olympic team known as the Super Hawks. Proud team members held the torch high as they strolled through town with residents lining Main Street to cheer them on. CFVH was represented for a mile and the family of Steve and Whitney Spurr footed the torch 6 miles.

"It was pretty amazing to watch everything fall into place," said Scott. "All the volunteer work and the effort paid off perfectly."

Jason Thornton, EMT, rode with Scott in a vehicle fully equipped with and AED for potential heart troubles, and other supplies needed to aid any injuries.

Scott was glad to hear Deputy Phillips was taking a vacation camping this year, especially after seeing firsthand the effort that goes into the Torch Run. Although Scott had already committed to taking on the role again, after this year's success he is really looking forward to it. "We appreciate the support we received, whether from donors or volunteers – it was a special thing to watch this all take place from my vantage point."