Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

St. John Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre and several officers, joined by a group of local citizens, participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Louisiana May 11, 2023 in LaPlace and Reserve.

Under cloudy skies with a cool breeze this morning, cheering crowds greeted the group at schools along the route, including John L. Ory Magnet, East St. John High, Riverside Academy, and St. Peter.

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

“We are proud to participate in this annual event that brings together law enforcement officers with community residents to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Louisiana,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said.

St. John officers join other law enforcement officers and citizens as “Guardians of the Flame” 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 19 at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.

After the run, a social was held at Frenier’s Landing in LaPlace. The St. John Sheriff’s Office appreciates the wonderful support of local sponsors: Louisiana Federal Credit Union, Cypress Physical Therapy, Frostop, Enterprise Fleet Management, and Justice of the Peace District 5 Greg Maurin and cooks Gregory “Sticky” Maurin and Richard Punch.