06/06/2026
Gloucester Officers Help Carry the Flame of Hope Across Massachusetts.
This week, Officer Chris Liacos and Officer Koller had the distinct honor of serving on the Final Leg Team for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), carrying the Flame of Hope across the Commonwealth in support of Special Olympics Massachusetts and promoting global acceptance, inclusion, and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Officer Liacos also proudly serves as a member of the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run Council, helping advance the mission of Special Olympics throughout the year and supporting countless athletes and fundraising initiatives across the Commonwealth.
Their incredible journey included stops at the State House, regional police academies, colleges and universities, and communities throughout Massachusetts.
Along the way, they were joined by Randolph Police Academy Cadet Officers Kyle Beal, Logan Jalbert and Tiana Carreiro and were even featured by WCVB Channel 5.
The team also had the privilege of attending the Special Olympics Massachusetts Hall of Fame Ceremony at the historic John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum alongside Chief Michael Williams. The Hall of Fame event celebrated the athletes, volunteers, coaches, and supporters who have dedicated themselves to advancing the mission of Special Olympics.
Special recognition goes to Council Leadership Co-Director Jim DiGiovittorio, retired Chief and Executive Director of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC); Co-Director and retired Attleboro Police Chief Richard Price; athlete representative Danny Williams of Cape Ann; and the many athletes, volunteers, staff members, supporters, law enforcement officers, and educational partners whose commitment made the week such a success.
The week culminated with the Final Leg Team running the Flame of Hope into Boston University to officially open the 2026 Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games and light the ceremonial cauldron.
On Saturday, Chief Williams, Officer Liacos, and Officer Koller joined more than 250 police cruisers from departments across Massachusetts in a remarkable convoy es**rting athletes to Harvard University for the Summer Games. The es**rt included members of the Massachusetts State Police, the NEMLEC Motorcycle Unit, municipal police departments, county and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as officers from numerous college and university police departments across the Commonwealth. Gloucester Police Officer Joe Parady proudly participated as a member of the NEMLEC Motorcycle Unit, riding alongside fellow officers in support of the athletes and the mission of Special Olympics Massachusetts.
We are incredibly proud of Officer Liacos, Officer Koller, and Officer Parady for representing the Gloucester Police Department with professionalism, compassion, and dedication while supporting these phenomenal athletes and the mission of Special Olympics.
A special thank you to everyone who helped make this incredible week possible — the Law Enforcement Torch Run Council, Special Olympics Massachusetts staff, volunteers, supporters, law enforcement agencies from across the Commonwealth, college and university police departments, the Massachusetts State Police, the NEMLEC Motorcycle Unit, and the countless individuals working behind the scenes. Most importantly, thank you to the athletes of Special Olympics Massachusetts. Your determination, courage, resilience, sportsmanship, and unwavering spirit inspire us every day. You are the reason we run, the reason we serve, and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we embrace inclusion, opportunity, and respect for all.