Law Enforcement Torch Run Celebrates 40 Years of Impact Through Dedicated Volunteers Like Jessica Ellithorpe

As the Law Enforcement Torch Run marks its 40th anniversary in support of Special Olympics, dedicated volunteers across New York continue to carry forward a mission built on inclusion, community, and support for athletes. Among them is Jessica Ellithorpe, whose involvement with the movement has become both personal and deeply rewarding.

Jessica first became involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run more than a decade ago while working at Jamesville Correctional Facility. Encouraged by a coworker, who was heavily involved with the organization, Jessica joined alongside several coworkers and quickly found herself connected to something much bigger than she expected.

“Mark kind of talked all of us into getting involved,” Jessica said. “He unfortunately passed away, so I stayed involved in his memory. And I just have enjoyed it so much that I keep coming back.”

Now, more than 12 years later, Jessica continues to be an active supporter of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics New York, helping raise funds and awareness for athletes throughout the state.

For Jessica, the 40th anniversary of the Torch Run represents both longevity and hope for the future.

“I think it’s amazing that it’s been around that long, and I hope it’s around for at least another 40 more,” she said. “I think it’s a great partnership that we as law enforcement have with the athletes.”

She says the connection between officers and athletes is what makes the experience so meaningful.

“Especially with the work that we do, they really brighten my day every time I’m around any of them,” Jessica said. “I love being a part of it.”

Looking ahead, Jessica hopes the next 40 years continue to bring growth to the organization and inspire even more law enforcement agencies to get involved.

“Hopefully the law enforcement partners continue to grow,” she said. “And hopefully people continue to enjoy being a part of it as much as I do.”

One of Jessica’s favorite parts of the Law Enforcement Torch Run is the sense of community it creates throughout the regions.

“It brings different law enforcement agencies together,” she said. “Most of the time we’re kind of split up, so I really enjoy all of us coming together and supporting each other through the run.”

For Jessica, one moment stands out every year. As runners approach Tully’s during the Torch Run, athletes gather to cheer them on, often greeting participants with excitement and handmade goodie bags.

“The athletes are there cheering us on and they just get so excited to see us,” she said. “That is just an incredible feeling.”

She added with a laugh, “And you can never go wrong with Tully’s sandwiches.”

Jessica says events like the Torch Run offer something rare for those working in law enforcement, a genuinely uplifting experience.

“It’s a very feel good day from start to finish,” she said. “In the line of work that we are in, we don’t get those days very often. So it’s nice to be a part of it.”

Beyond the run itself, Jessica is also participating in the organization’s “40 for 40” initiative, a fundraising campaign tied to the Torch Run’s anniversary celebration. Inspired by the opportunity to continue supporting athletes, she immediately wanted to get involved.

“When I saw it, I just thought any opportunity to come up with different ways to help raise money for the athletes, I was all on board from the beginning,” she said.

Jessica and one of her counterparts are currently working on organizing a fundraiser event to help reach their fundraising goals and continue supporting Special Olympics athletes across New York.

At the heart of it all, Jessica says her motivation remains simple, supporting the athletes and ensuring they always can compete, connect, and thrive.

“Just to be there for the athletes and to have a part in raising the money so they can continue to do what they love to do,” she said. “Everybody coming together and just having a good time, that’s what it’s about.”

As the Law Enforcement Torch Run celebrates four decades of impact, volunteers like Jessica continue to embody the spirit that has made the movement so meaningful for generations of athletes, officers, and communities alike.

“I’m very thankful that I am welcomed into this organization and that I get to be a part of it,” Jessica said. “And I hope to continue for many years to come.”

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