Fourteen years ago the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, the Kitsap County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild and other local law enforcement agencies banded together to form K.O.S.S.O.: Kitsap Officers Supporting Special Olympics.

This year, as in the past, local law enforcement officers and executive staffs have arranged their off-duty schedules to join in support of Special Olympics Washington.

On Thursday, law enforcement runners carried the Special Olympics Torch, known as the “Flame of Hope,” during a running-and-boating relay, throughout Kitsap County and a portion of the Key Peninsula and across the Tacoma Narrows.

This relay is part of the nation-wide Law Enforcement Torch Run to raise community awareness to the needs of Special Olympics. The run is Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots vehicle: since its inception, more than 90,000 law enforcement officers have carried the ‘flame’ around 50 states and 35 nations raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics.

“I am pleased to join with the county’s law enforcement agency chiefs, deputies, police officers, troopers, special agents, Department of Homeland Security personnel, law enforcement family members, and staff and volunteers in supporting this extremely important effort,” said Sheriff Steve Boyer. “While there are a large number of outstanding causes that are supported by law enforcement, Special Olympics has always held an extra-special place in our endeavors towards community involvement. The joy, purpose and sense of accomplishment demonstrated by these special athletes serve as an example for all of us.”