On way to Summer Games, SORI Torch Run travels through Cranston

By MERI R. KENNEDY

Posted 6/5/19

Over the past weekend, thousands of athletes took part in the Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games at the University of Rhode Island.

Ahead of the event’s kickoff, public safety personnel …

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On way to Summer Games, SORI Torch Run travels through Cranston

TEAM CRANSTON: Pictured are the Special Olympics Torch Run participants from the Cranston Police and Fire departments last Friday afternoon.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

GO CRANSTON! Pictured are Cranston police and fire personnel making their way south on Reservoir Avenue just after receiving the Special Olympics Flame of Hope at the Providence line.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

Posted Wednesday, June 5, 2019 12:54 pm

By MERI R. KENNEDY

Over the past weekend, thousands of athletes took part in the Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games at the University of Rhode Island.

Ahead of the event’s kickoff, public safety personnel from across the state – including Cranston – escorted the Flame of Hope from Woonsocket to Kingston as part of the annual Torch Run.

Last year, the Torch Run Committee raised more than $300,000 for Special Olympics Rhode Island. Over the years, the Torch Run has raised more than $2 million for the cause.

Cranston Police Department officers who participated in this year’s Torch Run included Capt. Vincent McAteer, Sgt. Joshua Dygon, Sgt. David Jubinville, Officer Mark Clifford, Officer Brenda Davis, Officer Ashley Hardy, Officer Wayne Russell and Officer Alex Travers.

Bicycling were Sgt. Ryan Shore, Detective Eric Leclerc, Officer Seth Aldrich and Officer Thomas Lavey. On motorcycles were Inspector Pete Leclerc and Inspector Andrew Decosta. On the support bus was Lt. Jamie Jennings.

McAteer, Hardy and Clifford all ran from the State House to the Warwick Mall. The other officers ran all or portions of the Torch Run’s route through Cranston.

Representing the Cranston Fire Department were Jim Mather, Capt. Will Morrocco, Lt. Joe Giardina, Bryan Wall, Jay Lee, Nate Godfrin, Greg Duquette and dispatcher Jess Silva.