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LAPLACE — St. John Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre and several officers, along with a group of local citizens, participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Louisiana this week in LaPlace and Reserve. Under partly cloudy skies with a light breeze, cheering crowds greeted the group at schools along the route, including John L. Ory Magnet, East St. John High, St. Peter, and Riverside Academy.

Deputy Ingrid Perrilloux, the event organizer, worked with longtime torch run supporter and SJSO retiree Greg Maurin to organize the event.

“We look forward to participating in this annual event that brings together law enforcement officers with community residents to raise money and awareness for such a great organization like the Special Olympics Louisiana,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said.

St. John officers joins other law enforcement officers and citizens in carrying the Flame of Hope throughout the state, culminating with lighting of the cauldron to officially open the Special Olympics Louisiana Summer Games May 21 at Christ Episcopal School in Covington.

After the run, a social was held at Frenier’s Landing in LaPlace. The St. John Sheriff’s Office appreciates the support of local donors: Enterprise Fleet Management Inc., Raising Cane’s, Louisiana Federal Credit Union, LaPlace Frostop, Frisco Deli, Justice of the Peace District 5 Greg Maurin, and cooks Richard Punch and Sticky Maurin.