WRPD among top 5 Special Olympics fundraisers in state

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — You may have seen the Warner Robins Police Department doing outreach and taking donations during events throughout the year. The donations added up, and the police department was recognized on Tuesday for their efforts.

Representatives from the police department traveled to Special Olympics Georgia’s headquarters in Norcross for the Law Enforcement Torch Run kickoff meeting. At the meeting, it was announced that Warner Robins Police Department was the fourth largest fundraising law enforcement agency in the state for Special Olympics.

The top five were Johns Creek Police Department, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, GBI, WRPD and Brookhaven Police Department.

WRPD Captain John Clay, Georgia LETR’s director, accepted the award on behalf of the police department and reflected with The Journal on the impact LETR has made for Special Olympics and the community.

Securing a spot among metropolitan agencies and a statewide agency was no small feat, and the police department was proud of their accomplishment and their growth.

“In Metro Atlanta, the agencies up there have been involved in Special Olympics longer than we have, so the fact that we’re starting to compete with the big guys, the big agencies who raise a lot of money, is very satisfying,” Clay said.

WRPD Officer Greg Martin, a member of Georgia LETR’s executive council, agreed.

“Considering the size of the agencies that were 1–3, I think we did good … for us to end up fourth, that’s a pretty big deal,” Martin said.

Clay described the fundraising as a friendly competition from like-minded agencies.

“There’s a friendly rivalry amongst us,” Clay said. “We’re competing to see who raises the most money. We’re all dedicated to the cause.”

One of the ways they promote awareness and collect donations is through annual torch runs and various events held throughout the year. Clay said many of these events have been longtime staples in their fundraising efforts.

They hold the Polar Plunge in February at Lake Acworth in Cobb County. The event sees several teams and individuals who sign up to take the plunge, donations in tow.

Cops on Donut Shops is another landmark event they hold on National Donut Day and National Coffee Day. Originally at Krispy Kreme, officers would stand on top of the building. The location changed to Dunkin’ and the officers came down to the ground to collect donations. Locally, the police department followed the second model, citing safety as the main reason.

In the fall, they hold their yearly Glow Run. The fundraising event typically sees 300 runners a year, and the police department said it brings the community together and shows them that they are cared for.

Officers within the department also had the chance to take their passions and turn them into fundraising events. Clay used Martin’s passion for bass fishing as an example; the department holds bass used Martin’s passion for bass fishing as an example; the department holds bass fishing tournaments where the proceeds benefit Special Olympics.

The community has come out to show support and the police department expressed their thankfulness towards the community in supporting the cause, and explained how fundraisers build up their relationships.

“Without the citizens, the people of Warner Robins donating and participating and being a part of this, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” Martin said. “It speaks volumes as far as building a community relationship with the police department and the citizens. It’s a good positive thing, a positive influence.”

Martin explained further that the impact from their support was not only monetary.

“For the citizens of Warner Robins to participate and donate, that means the world,” Martin said. “[For us,] there’s a sense of fulfillment, where what we’re doing means something to the community.”

Clay also spoke highly of the Special Olympics and their community, saying that he admired their outlook as he got to know the athletes.

“They are so positive and so upbeat,” Clay said. “Every day is a new adventure … they have this natural desire for everybody to be happy.”

Martin explained that a key mission for this outreach is acceptance and inclusion for those with disabilities, and that volunteering has touched many officers within the department.

“There’s no greater feeling than putting a medal around an athlete’s neck and getting the biggest hug that you could possible get,” Martin said. “We tell people all the time, ‘We do it for the hugs, the joy on the athletes’ faces.’”

Clay encouraged the community to volunteer for the cause, expressing the sense of fulfillment he has from his experience.

“When you volunteer, you think, ‘I’m going to help this person better their life,’” Clay said. “Actually, your life is better for being involved.”

A unique offering for volunteers allows the community to compete alongside Special Olympics athletes, something Clay called unified sports. He said events like unified sports also help bring the community together.

To volunteer and to donate, visit Special Olympics Georgia’s website, https://www.specialolympicsga.org

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