Special Olympics Vermont is proud to announce the appointment of a new Co-Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council. Senior Trooper Callie Field serves out of the Vermont State Police barracks in Derby and has been an active member of Vermont’s Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for more than a decade.
“VSP Sr. Trooper Callie Field is one of most dedicated, motivated volunteer leaders of the LETR movement that Vermont has ever known,” says Sergeant Bruce Merriam of the Stowe Police Department and Co-Director of the LETR Executive Council. “We are grateful for her tireless service and look forward to working with her in 2017!”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the movement’s largest global grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. At its most basic level, the Torch Run is a running event in which officers and athletes run the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions and State, National, and World Games. Throughout the year, the LETR Executive Council organizes fundraising and awareness events that support the 1,126 of Special Olympics Vermont. In 2016, LETR efforts in Vermont raised a record breaking $105,000.
Trooper Field brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as Co-Director. She joined the Council in 2013 and has built an impressive Torch Run network in the Northeast Kingdom region that includes state and local police, fire departments, corrections, border patrol, and area schools.
“Trooper Field is an amazing addition to our team of Torch Run volunteers,” says Lisa DeNatale, President and CEO of Special Olympics Vermont. “All around the world, public safety personnel are serving as Guardians of the Flame and supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities. Callie’s demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm ensure that Vermont continues to be a leader in the movement.”
In September, Trooper Field was among the finalists for the John Carion Unsung Hero award at the 2016 Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference in Arizona. This Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have contributed to the success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run on a local, state, or global level.