Dallas police and Fire-Rescue run together to benefit Special Olympics Texas

Hundreds gathered at Klyde Warren Park for the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run, where Dallas Police and Dallas Fire‑Rescue helped raise over $68,000 to support Special Olympics Texas.

Hundreds of people gathered at Klyde Warren Park for the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run, a fundraiser and awareness event for Special Olympics Texas. Dallas Police Academy recruits led a warm-up and Dallas Fire‑Rescue Chief Justin Ball joined athlete Mia Patterson to light the Flame of Hope before the run. Special Olympics athletes, officers, recruits and community volunteers — some in costume — took part in the 1.5‑mile run or 0.8‑mile walk. The event highlighted long‑standing ties between first responders and the nonprofit while celebrating athletes who will compete this summer. Key details: - The torch run was held in April 2026 at Klyde Warren Park and included a ceremonial lighting of the Flame of Hope. - Hundreds of community members, athletes and first responders lined up for a 1.5‑mile run or a 0.8‑mile walk. - The Dallas Police Department raised over $68,000 for this year’s run, and companies such as Target, Atmos Energy and Energy Transfer contributed amounts reported between $10,000 and $50,000. - Dallas police have participated for about 25 years; public participation in the event grew from roughly 100 people to more than 600. - The article notes the Dallas Police Department was the first in Texas to raise over $100,000 for Special Olympics Texas in 2024 and raised over $114,000 in 2025. - Athlete Rachel Seba, a lead athlete and long‑time participant, will represent Team Texas at the Special Olympics USA Games in June at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine. Summary: The torch run brought together first responders, athletes and community members to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Texas and to celebrate inclusion. Several athletes named in the article will compete with Team Texas at the Special Olympics USA Games in June, and broader fundraising or follow‑up plans beyond the reported totals are undetermined at this time.