York Regional Police dedicate torch run to fallen officer

On August 2, 2007 Detective Constable Rob Plunkett was killed in the line of duty during a criminal investigation in the Town of Markham. 

In honour of Rob’s support of Special Olympics, York Regional Police has re-named its annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to the Rob Plunkett Memorial Torch Run, which will go through Newmarket on Thursday, May 15, 2008. 

 The Rob Plunkett Memorial Torch Run and the Law Enforcement Torch Run raises funds and awareness of the Special Olympics movement worldwide.  Law enforcement officers from more than 30 countries around the globe and from every state and province in North America carry the Flame of Hope in honour of Special Olympics athletes in their area and around the world.

 The Torch Run is the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics in the world. 

 As he learned more about Special Olympics, Rob began to get more involved.  Rob co-chaired the Special Olympic World Winter Games in Toronto and in 2000, chaired the Special Olympic Spring Games held in York Region.  Both of these games were monumental efforts that required commitment, dedication and hundreds of hours of his personal time.

 The 2008 Rob Plunkett Memorial Torch Run will begin with an 82-kilometre relay that will leave Ontario Provincial Police Headquarters in Orillia at 5:30 a.m.  The relay consists of 10-kilometre increments that will run into the Upper Canada Mall, located at 17600 Yonge Street, where opening ceremonies will commence at approximately 2 p.m.  The Master of Ceremonies will be Joe Bowen, renowned sportscaster who is known as the voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

 At 2:30 p.m., the final leg of the run will take place.  This is a nine-kilometre route that will wind its way through the streets of Newmarket, ending at the York Regional Police Association Building, located on Stonehaven Avenue.

 Officers support Special Olympics through personal donations and the purchase of Torch Run T-shirts.  They will also be collecting donations along the route.  All cash collected goes directly to Special Olympics Ontario. 

Dave Trafford spoke with Det. Sgt. Maria Aarons of York Regional Police about the run.  If you'd like more information or would like to donate to the special olympics, check out the website.