Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

Nearly 800 Officers to Carry the Flame of Hope Across Delaware in the 39th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run

Date Posted: Monday, June 2nd, 2025

The 39th Annual Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Delaware will take place from Wednesday, June 11, through Friday, June 13, 2025, bringing together nearly 800 law enforcement officers from across the state to carry the Flame of Hope in honor of the athletes of Special Olympics Delaware.

Spanning multiple legs from Fenwick Island to Wilmington, this inspiring three-day event highlights law enforcement’s steadfast commitment to inclusion and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Since its inception, the Delaware Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised over $12 million to support year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Torch Run Schedule Highlights:

Wednesday, June 11

Upstate: Begins at 9:00 a.m. at the New Castle County Police Department and travels to the Wilmington Police Department for a ceremony at 9:30 a.m., before continuing along Kirkwood Highway to Albertson Boulevard.
Downstate: Starts at 3:30 p.m. at Fenwick Island and travels to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand for a ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Following the ceremony, officers and athletes will complete a one-mile run to Grove Park.

Thursday, June 12

Downstate: Two Torch Run Legs begin early—Delmar Police Department at 6:15 a.m. and Georgetown Circle at 6:55 a.m.—uniting in Harrington before continuing to Dover for a 1:45 p.m. ceremony on Legislative Mall.
Upstate: Departs the Middletown Police Department at 10:30 a.m. and also arrives in Dover in time for the afternoon ceremony. Law enforcement officers, Special Olympics athletes, and state legislators are invited to attend.

Friday, June 13

The Torch leaves Newark Shopping Center at 4:15 p.m. and completes its journey with the Final Leg into the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware, where the Opening Ceremony for the 2025 Summer Games will begin at approximately 5:00 p.m.

A Legacy of Inclusion

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is more than a relay—it is a symbol of hope, inclusion, and community. Officers from departments across the state come together to honor the strength and determination of Special Olympics athletes, while also helping to ensure that Delaware athletes continue to enjoy opportunities to grow in skill, confidence, and friendship.

Special Olympics Delaware offers year-round training and competition in 15 sports, supported by a passionate community of volunteers, coaches, and sponsors. Programs like the Torch Run help make these experiences possible for thousands of athletes statewide. For more information or to get involved, visit Special Olympics Delaware.