Emmett Turner
Former Chief of Police
Nashville, Tennessee
"The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has long been committed to supporting Special Olympics which provides athletic competition and sporting activities for mentally-challenged children and young adults. The men and women of this department have devoted much of their personal time to participate in such fundraisers as the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Cops and Lobsters, and the Polar Bear Plunge. Our partnership with Special Olympics is very rewarding and allows us to see first-hand the positive impact the program continues to make on the Special Olympics athletes in our community."
J.R. Johnson
Sergeant-West Patrol
"I've became involved with Special Olympics in the spring of 1995. I helped Capt. Ronnie Hooper with the run to Pearl-Cohn. At the games I met several of the kids, Capt. Hooper invited me to the Games at Vanderbilt. I went to the games and I was hooked, the rest is history. That is the reason for all of this THE KIDS."
Billy Smith
Sergeant-Central Enterprise Bikes
"Special Olympics gives me a chance to give something back to kids that are going through a different childhood than I had. The look on the athletes' faces touched me inside from the first time we ran the torch into Vanderbilt. They give so much and ask for so little. The Special Olympic Athletes gives us more than we could ever give in return. Their "Let me win, but if I can't win let me be brave in the attempt"; you'll never hear another athlete say that.
Kris Delap
Sergeant-School Resources
"I support Special Olympics because it gives the athletes a chance to participate in organized sports. When you get the opportunity to watch the children compete in the Olympics and other activities you realize it so much more than just sports. It gives the children an opportunity to build their character, spirit, courage, and confidence. It is not about winning or losing it is about the opportunity to PLAY. Special Olympics is truly a worthy organization.
Anna-Maria Williams
Sergeant-Domestic Violence
"Police work is about taking care of your community and the people in it. It is not only keeping people safe, and catching bad guys, but also being a participant in the community. As a Torch Run volunteer I can do that although the athletes have taught and given me more than I can ever repay. They epitomize courage, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a love of life."
Glenda Taylor
Police Executive Assistant-Uniform Services Bureau
"I got involved when Melissa Goodwin left the Police Department to work full time with Special Olympics. I took her place as liaison between the Police Department and Special Olympic Coordinator for the Law Enforcement Torch Run. I was hooked the first time I worked with the athletes at Summer Games. The look of accomplishment on their faces when they finished an event was amazing! They didn't care whether they came in first, second, or even last. All they cared about were the hugs and high fives they knew they would get when they crossed that finish line. Volunteering to work the next event was an easy decision to make."
Visit the Special Olympics Tennessee website for more information