Police carry torch through Terrebonne and Lafourche to benefit Special Olympics

Dan Copp, The Courier
·3 min read

Missy Cortez got up early Friday to sweat for a good cause.

“It’s hot but we’re doing it,” the Thibodaux resident said. “I got up early this morning and started rolling. It’s been two years since COVID and we’ve got this.”

Cortez was one of several athletes who took part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Friday. Participants carried the Flame of Hope from State Police Troop C’s headquarters in Gray to the Lockport Recreation Center.

The yearly event unites law enforcement agencies and athletes to raise money and generate awareness for the Special Olympics Louisiana Summer Games.

Raceland athlete Bertie Bernucho, who has been participating in the Special Olympics for 18 years, said she looks forward to the Torch Run every May.

“I’ve been doing the Torch Run for 12 years,” said the 32-year-old who will play bocce during the Olympics. “I love it. I’m grateful for the support for all the athletes because this is one of our biggest fundraisers in the country.”

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet runs with his officers to Troop C headquarters in Gray on Friday during the Torch Run to raise money for the Special Olympics.
Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet runs with his officers to Troop C headquarters in Gray on Friday during the Torch Run to raise money for the Special Olympics.

Nancy Comardelle, who has organized the Torch Run for 28 years, said the participants have become like family.

“These athletes are my life,” she said. “They really are. I would do anything for them. During COVID we couldn’t have it and had to do it virtually, but nothing beats the real thing. From Lafourche, Terrebonne, the state troopers to the Thibodaux Police Department, they treat us so well. We also support them 100%.”

Related: Houma-Thibodaux area police take part in Torch Run to raise money for Louisiana Special Olympics

This year participants raised about $4,900 to pay for the athletes’ trip to the games Satuday in Covington, Comardelle said.

Thibodaux Police Lt. Clint Dempster said the Torch Run is one of the highlights of the year for the department.

“It’s a blessing that we all can get together during times like this for a good cause,” he said. “We look forward to it and are fortunate enough to be able to get back to normal times. We look forward to it for years to come.”

Terrebonne Sheriff Tim Soignet, who laced up his running shoes Friday to complete a 1.2-mile sp to Troop C headquarters, said he was proud to take part in the event.

“I can’t say enough about how proud I am of our agency and the dedication of our staff and officers to not only serving but protecting our great community," Soignet said. "It’s events like these that bring communities closer together, and I am honored that our agency was involved.”

The torch relay traditionally involves more than 1,500 officers and personnel representing more than 200 police agencies across the state.

Lafourche Sheriff Craig Webre said it was an honor to take part in the run.

“We’ve been doing this for decades now,” he said. “You can’t find a more worthy cause and a more wonderful opportunity to express love and support like the Special Olympics. We’re proud to be a part of this.”

— Staff Writer Dan Copp can be reached at 448-7639 or at dan.copp@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanVCopp. 

This article originally appeared on The Courier: Houma area police agencies carry torch to benefit Special Olympics