Tribal Police Officers Ehren and Bailey are running the streets for Law Enforcement Torch Run
8/26/2015 3:00:00 PM - Tribal Observer

Tribal Police Officers Ehren and Bailey are running the streets for LETR

By Joseph V. Sowmick, Photojournalist

Two Saginaw Chippewa Tribal police officers are taking it to the streets on Sept. 17 for a state-wide effort called the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR).

Tribal Administrative Assistant Michelle Colwell said Sergeant Scott Bailey and Dispatch/Corrections Officer Renay Ehren have been asked to participate in the LETR representing the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the Tribal Police. 

“The Torch Run is an annual fundraiser for the Michigan Special Olympics and the Tribe has participated and sponsored their events for many years,” Colwell said. “We are encouraging our Tribal Operations employees to show their support by purchasing a T-shirt ($10 for S-2XL & $15 for 3XL) and to wear it to work on Sept. 17 when the run will be going through Mount Pleasant. All of the employees wearing their LETR shirts will be featured in a photo for the Tribal website and Tribal Facebook page.”

The LETR is the single largest grassroots fundraising effort for Special Olympics Michigan.

The Mount Pleasant Community Run for LETR will take place Sept. 17. The event will begin at 2:15 p.m. at the old Michigan State Police post and finish at 2:35 p.m. with the exchange of the torch in front of the Special Olympics office. The event registration is $25 and each runner will receive a dri-fit t-shirt.

Lois Arnold, president and CEO of Special Olympics Michigan, said by getting more involved in Michigan’s Torch Run program, funds are raised and it helps create awareness for athletes.

“We appreciate our Law Enforcement Torch Run support immensely,” Arnold said. “The money raised has an amazing and positive impact on the lives of our athletes and their families.”

Ehren has been involved in the Special Olympics for more than 12 years, mostly participating in the Summer Games here in Mount Pleasant, but expanded to the Winter Games for the last two years in Grand Traverse.  

“Last year I was able to go with the Torch Run Travel Team in 14 community runs and did the Polar Plunge here in Mount Pleasant this winter,” Ehren said. “I have developed friendships with the athletes, families, coaches and fellow law enforcement officers and look forward to seeing them each event. Words cannot express what I take away. I can only hope that I give half as much.  I am grateful for the opportunity be involved in such a capacity and would like to thank the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the Police Department for allowing this to happen.”

 Bailey views the Special Olympics as a great organization that provides for the athletes more than just a competitive atmosphere. 

“The Special Olympics provides health screenings and eye exams and also encourages athletes to develop skills that will last a lifetime,” Bailey said. “With the generosity of our community and others across the State of Michigan, these athletes are forever grateful.  I have had the honor to be involved with Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run for the last five years, participating in summer games, polar plunges and other events. This year I have been invited to participate in LETR run week that travels throughout the state raising money and awareness for Special Olympics.  I am humbled with the opportunity to run in each community as part of this fundraising effort.  I would personally like to thank the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe for their support and generosity in making a difference in the athlete’s lives.”

For more information on the Torch Run or to purchase your shirt, contact Ehren or Bailey at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Dispatch (989) 775-4700.

Joseph V. Sowmick, Hon.PhD

Tribal Observer – Photojournalist

office: (989)775-4010