news-record.com

GREENSBORO – The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office took first place this year in the state for fundraising in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, generating $64,200 for Special Olympics.

“I am very proud of the hard work our folks put in on their own time, but of course the real winners are the Special Olympians themselves,” Sheriff BJ Barnes said in a news release.

“They are deserving of every dime we are able to raise because of all the good they inspire in others.”

The fundraising efforts began in February with the Polar Plunge at Wet & Wild Emerald Pointe, where participants get pledges to jump into freezing water.

Other events included “Cops On Top,” where officers solicited donations at local Chick-fil-A restaurants and a charity golf tournament over the summer.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department took second place statewide, followed by Chapel Hill police.

The Greensboro Police Department finished seventh and High Point police finished in the top 20. Along with UNCG police, the three agencies raised more than $100,000 for Special Olympics.

The sheriff’s office has participated in the fundraising effort since 1992, generating more than $607,000 since 2000.

This is the first year local deputies took first place.