Honoring the 2025 LETR International Hall of Fame Inductees
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is built on the dedication, service, and leadership of individuals who go far beyond what is expected in support of athletes with intellectual disabilities. The Richard LaMunyon Law Enforcement Torch Run International Hall of Fame recognizes those whose sustained commitment has shaped the movement, strengthened programs, and inspired generations of law enforcement officers and volunteers around the world.
The 2025 Hall of Fame class exemplifies this legacy of service. Shawn Byrne of Oklahoma, Lisa Carlone of Connecticut, and John Clifton of Georgia have each left an indelible mark on the LETR movement through decades of leadership, innovation, and unwavering belief in the mission of Special Olympics.
Shawn Byrne | Oklahoma
For more than 30 years, Shawn Byrne has been a driving force behind the growth, visibility, and evolution of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. First introduced to LETR in the early 1990s through his father’s police agency, Shawn’s involvement quickly became a lifelong commitment to the athletes and values of Special Olympics.
As a law enforcement officer, Shawn became deeply involved in fundraising and engagement efforts, participating in events ranging from rooftop fundraisers to Polar Plunges. His passion for innovation led to the creation of the Cool Schools Plunge, an event that has thrived for more than 15 years while introducing thousands of students to inclusion, service, and the LETR mission.
A strong advocate for officer education, Shawn developed an LETR training module for new police recruits, ensuring that every officer entering his agency since 2005 understands the purpose and impact of the Torch Run. His influence has extended well beyond training, particularly in the areas of communications and public awareness. Shawn played a pivotal role in expanding social media engagement, advancing digital storytelling, and championing the LETR-wrapped vehicle initiative, which has since grown into a statewide and highly visible symbol of support for Special Olympics.
At the international level, Shawn has served on the LETR International Executive Council and has been instrumental in shaping the movement’s global communications strategy. From supporting international Final Legs to elevating athlete and officer stories worldwide, his creativity, leadership, and tireless dedication have strengthened LETR’s global presence and impact.
Lisa Carlone | Connecticut
Lisa Carlone’s journey with Special Olympics began more than 40 years ago as a corporate volunteer, an experience that sparked a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and athlete support. Her early work culminated in a pivotal role as Volunteer Services Manager for the 1995 Special Olympics World Games, where she oversaw volunteer recruitment, scheduling, and operations for the Games.
In 2006, Lisa transitioned into a staff leadership role as Director of Special Events and Torch Run Coordinator for Special Olympics Connecticut. Over nearly two decades, she played a central role in expanding Torch Run activities and fundraising initiatives, including Polar Plunges, Super Plunges, Torch Runs, and innovative community events. During her tenure, law enforcement participation increased by 23 percent, and Torch Run revenue grew by more than 70 percent, strengthening program sustainability and athlete opportunities across the state.
Lisa’s impact extended to the international level beginning in 2009, when she volunteered as her program’s liaison to the LETR International Conference Planning Committee. Her leadership, attention to detail, and collaborative approach led to her appointment to the ICPC Leadership Team, where she now serves as Production Manager. In this role, Lisa oversees every aspect of conference production, from the lighting of the Flame of Hope to closing ceremonies, dedicating hundreds of volunteer hours each year to ensure a world-class experience for attendees.
She has also been a key contributor to multiple LETR Final Legs, serving on logistics teams for events in Southern California, the USA Games, Berlin, and Italy. Lisa’s ability to lead across both cornerstone initiatives, the International Conference and the Final Leg, reflects the deep trust she has earned within the LETR movement and her extraordinary commitment to excellence.
John Clifton | Georgia
John Clifton’s leadership and vision have had a transformative impact on LETR at the local, national, and international levels. For more than 16 years, he has been a cornerstone of his home program, helping originate and sustain signature fundraising events such as Cops on Donut Shops, Polar Plunges, golf tournaments, fitness competitions, and 5K runs.
A champion of inclusion, John co-founded a unified soccer league in his community, securing funding for uniforms and equipment for more than 150 athletes and unified partners. His dedication to athletes and volunteers led to his service on his state Special Olympics Executive Council and six years as his state LETR Director.
John’s international impact includes extensive service on Final Legs in roles ranging from runner to Team Leader and Logistics Team member, as well as involvement with the IACP Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee. His leadership trajectory continued through the LETR International Executive Council, where he served as a Regional Coordinator before being elected Chairman in 2023.
As Chairman, John launched and championed the “Why Campaign,” encouraging officers worldwide to reconnect with the purpose behind their support of LETR and Special Olympics. Under his leadership, the movement expanded its global reach, strengthened international relationships, and welcomed new countries into the LETR family. His advocacy, humility, and passion have made a lasting difference for athletes and officers alike, with one nominator describing his contributions as immeasurable.
The 2025 Richard LaMunyon Law Enforcement Torch Run International Hall of Fame inductees represent the very best of the LETR movement. Through decades of service, leadership, and innovation, Shawn Byrne, Lisa Carlone, and John Clifton have strengthened programs, empowered officers, and helped ensure that athletes with intellectual disabilities are seen, celebrated, and supported around the world.
Their legacy will continue to inspire the LETR community for years to come.
