Crime & Safety

Algonquin Police Chief Inducted into Special Olympics Torch Run Hall of Fame

The International Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (ILETR) inducted Algonquin Police Chief Russ Laine into the Richard LaMunyon Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Hall of Fame at their annual conference earlier this month.

Laine was inducted for his selfless dedication to the athletes of Special Olympics. He became involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in 1990 when the Illinois LETR raised just $20,000. This year, the Illinois LETR is expected to raise $3 million.

Through his years of involvement, Laine has helped guide his department to becoming one of the state’s leading fund-raising departments, raising nearly $110,000 over the last five years, according to the news release. 

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He has recruited new agencies across the state and has participated in nearly every fundraiser Illinois has created, including plunging into Lake Michigan as part of the Polar Plunge. 

Laine began serving on the Special Olympics Illinois Board of Directors in 2010, providing a law enforcement voice and insight to this group.

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His involvement has paid off for the ILETR. 

He has been instrumental in renewing their support and enthusiasm for the Special Olympics movement. Chief Laine has led the ILETR efforts not only in Illinois but throughout the world.

From his installation as sixth vice president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police to his rise to president, he worked tirelessly on behalf of the ILETR. In addition, he participated in the 2007 International LETR Final Leg event in China, as well as two USA Games Final Legs as a support member.

This international honor, named for the founder of the ILETR, is the most prestigious accolade given in the ILETR community worldwide.

 Induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding individuals who have demonstrated a sustained and significant contribution to Special Olympics and the ILETR at the local, national and international levels.

“I will always debate whether I am worthy of this honor to be included with the leaders of the ILETR," Laine said of his being inducted into the Hall of Fame. "I am most humbled to accept this honor.”  

He received a standing ovation from the nearly 1,200 attendees at the event.

“Chief Russ Laine is always trying to find ways to put the athletes, community or an individual’s safety first,” said Dave Breen, president & CEO of Special Olympics Illinois in the news release. “Perhaps the greatest thing I can say about Russ is that if you were to ask him, he would genuinely rather see others be honored with this prestigious award. He is undoubtedly not in it for the recognition, but for the smiles that the Torch Run creates and the undeniable impact it has on thousands of lives.”

Source: Village of Algonquin news release


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