GULF SHORES, Ala. — The Law Enforcement Torch Run recently celebrated its 30th year at the 2011 International LETR conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Gulf Shores Police Department Officer James Johnston was there at the first conference outside the United States.

Johnston was one of only four Alabama officers at the conference. The conference was held November 3-5 at the Telus Convention Center in Calgary.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics. At its most basic level the Torch Run is an actual running event, in which officers and athletes run the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions, State, National, and now International Games.

The man behind the first Torch Run in 1981 was Wichita, Kan., Police Chief Richard LaMunyan. He conceived the Torch Run as a way to involve local law enforcement personnel in the community and to support Special Olympics.

It was announced at the 2011 LETR International Conference that the Torch Run raised more than $42 million in 2011, a true testimonial to the dedication and spirit of the law enforcement community for Special Olympics.

Johnston joined the Gulf Shores Police Department in 2006 after serving on the Douglas and Boaz Police Departments in Marshall County from 1992 to 2006.