Historic partnership strengthens International Association of Chiefs of Police’s role as the Founding Law Enforcement Partner of LETR and reinforces a shared commitment to inclusion, awareness, and support for Special Olympics athletes worldwide.
On April 20, 2026, at the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C., the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) formally renewed one of the movement’s most historic and meaningful partnerships through a ceremonial signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This landmark moment reaffirmed IACP’s role as the Founding Law Enforcement Organization of the global Torch Run movement and solidified a shared commitment to advancing inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities through the power of law enforcement leadership.
The ceremonial signing brought together three key leaders representing the continued strength of this alliance:
- Vincent Talucci, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Brandon Fitzgerald, Chief Legal Officer and Board Secretary for Special Olympics, Inc.
- John Clifton, Chairman of the Law Enforcement Torch Run International Executive Council
Held in one of the nation’s most symbolic venues honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement, the event served not only as a formal recognition of a renewed agreement but as a powerful reminder of the roots of the Torch Run movement itself.
For more than four decades, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has stood as the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising movement for Special Olympics worldwide. Since its inception, IACP’s support has helped shape LETR into a global force for inclusion, empowering law enforcement officers around the world to serve as Guardians of the Flame® and champions for Special Olympics athletes.
The renewed five-year MOU formally recognizes IACP as LETR’s Founding Law Enforcement Partner while reaffirming LETR as IACP’s official charity. The agreement outlines expanded collaboration through conference engagement, strategic outreach, leadership integration, international growth support, and coordinated storytelling efforts designed to further elevate the movement globally.
“This signing is more than a ceremonial moment. It is a recommitment to the shared values that have united law enforcement and Special Olympics for generations,” said LETR International Executive Council Chairman John Clifton. “IACP’s leadership and continued partnership reinforce the foundation upon which this movement was built, while also helping position us for even greater impact in the future.”
“For more than four decades, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has represented law enforcement at its very best: service, compassion, and a deep commitment to strengthening communities,” said International Association of Chiefs of Police CEO and Executive Director, Vincent Talucci. “The International Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to reaffirm our role as LETR’s Founding Law Enforcement Partner, and we look forward to continuing this important work alongside Special Olympics and law enforcement leaders around the world.”
Through this renewed partnership, IACP will continue supporting LETR through initiatives such as annual conference engagement, strategic law enforcement connections, digital promotion, and leadership collaboration. Likewise, LETR will continue recognizing IACP’s foundational role across its international events, communications, and mission-based outreach.
As LETR celebrates more than 45 years of service, this historic renewal ensures that the bond between the world’s largest law enforcement leadership organization and the world’s largest grassroots movement for Special Olympics remains stronger than ever.
Together, LETR and IACP are not simply honoring history. They are carrying the Flame of Hope forward for future generations.
