For more than 10 years, the Charles H. Bullock School has been participating with the Montclair Police Department in the Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, a special event that brings the community together for a wonderful cause. Every year, law enforcement officers in New Jersey exchange their uniforms for running gear as they carry the “Flame of Hope” throughout the Garden State into the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games Opening Ceremony. For a portion of that run on Friday, June 5, members of the Montclair Police Department were joined by CHB students and teachers, cheered on by their fellow classmates and staff.
This year, 37 students began their run with the officers on Bloomfield Avenue at the Gates Avenue intersection and continued left on Elm Street and right down Washington Street directly in front of CHB. Led by a motorcycle cavalcade and a fire engine, the group of runners were met with signs, claps, and waves of support.
MPD Sergeant Paul Rusiniak (right) presents Principal Nami Kuwarbara and Assistant Principal Shivan Persad with a plaque in appreciation of CHB's support and participation in the Torch Run through the years.
“Bullock is honored to once again participate in this important event that benefits Special Olympics in New Jersey,” said Principal Nami Kuwabara. “We are grateful for this long-time partnership with Montclair Sergeant Paul Rusiniak and to the MPD for including us in this small part of their journey.”
After traveling more than 750 miles, this flame will eventually make its way to light the cauldron to signal the official start of the Summer Games.