Torchbearers for the Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games … Constable Kate Truelove, from Goodna Station, and Paramedic Andrew Blackhall, from Roma Street Ambulance Station

October 5, 2016

A happy bunch of Kingaroy State School students had the opportunity to get up close and personal with firefighters, ambulance paramedics, police officers and SES volunteers when the Law Enforcement Torch Run hit Kingaroy on Tuesday.

The run was to promote the Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games, which kick off on Saturday (October 8) on the Sunshine Coast.

But the run was much more than just that …

The runners – from the Qld Police Service (QPS), Qld Ambulance Service (QAS), Qld Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) – have also been raising funds for the Special Olympics since they began their journey in Brisbane on Monday.

The team gathered at Kingaroy Police Station at noon before heading out along Alford, Glendon, Haly and William streets towards the State School Oval in Alford Street.

There they were greeted by an honour guard of students as well as an array of emergency vehicles, all with lights flashing.

A group of students then accompanied the runners on a circumnavigation of the emergency vehicles.

Acting Superintendent Danny Shaw, from the Queensland Police Academy, presented State School principal Russell Thompson with a police teddy bear to thank the students for their involvement.

The Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games are held every four years, alternating amongst States.

About 3000 competitors from across Australia and New Zealand are expected to take part in this year’s event.

* * *

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) began in 1981 in the United States.

Since its inception. LETR worldwide has raised more than half a billion dollars for the Special Olympics.

For more information about making a donation, email the LETR team or contact Wendy O’Neill on 0419-743-910.

The team members gather at Kingaroy Police Station ahead of their run through town
Sergeant Jacqueline Munn, from Ipswich Station, with Detective Edward Bear and Constable Ted Bear
The Law Enforcement Torch Run passes down William Street … the runners were escorted by police cars and a fire engine
Emergency services workers and Kingaroy State School students with the runners
Officer-in-charge of Kingaroy Police Senior Sergeant Duane Frank, with Acting Superintendent Danny Shaw and Sergeant Jacqueline Munn
Kingaroy firefighters with the torch  (not surprisingly, it went out …)
Kingaroy police join students and runners with the torch
Kingaroy paramedics take their turn with the torch
SES workers had a turn with the torch, too, but also received a thank you certificate for their help in blocking off the streets

 

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