Local law enforcement takes part in annual Special Olympics Torch Run in Beatrice

BEATRICE, Neb. - Special Olympics athletes in southeast Nebraska joined Beatrice Police, Fire, and the Gage County Sheriff's Office for the annual torch run on Tuesday evening. 

"What we do is we sponsor special olympics as a kick off, it's a torch run that goes all over Nebraska in different segments... Tonight, we're running from 19th to 5th street."

Beatrice Police Chief Jay Murphy says it's important for local departments to take part in events like this to show their support for all in their community. 

"It just shows our support not only to the community, but for special olympics," Murphy said. "It's a good event for them to look up to us and just show how much we really support them."

Participants wore light blue tee shirts throughout the duration of the run. A celebration was held on fifth street in downtown Beatrice at the conclusion of the event.