News Flash

DURHAM, N.C. - On Thursday, May 30, Durham Police Department (DPD) officers and non-sworn employees will run the department’s leg of the 2019 North Carolina Torch Run Relay that benefits North Carolina Special Olympics. Preliminary activities will begin at 8 a.m. in front of Police Headquarters (602 E. Main Street) for logistical coordination and opening remarks. The actual Torch Run will follow opening activities.

So far this year DPD employees have raised more than $2,000 to support North Carolina Special Olympics. Since 2008 the police department has raised over $55,000 to support the cause.

DPD Special Olympics outreach and engagement events are coordinated by the department’s Community Services Division and include a variety of campaigns in addition to the annual Torch Run. Activities to date this year include Torch Run apparel sales; attendance at Durham County Special Olympics Games at Durham Academy Upper School (April 29); and a Cops on Tops donation drive at Chick-fil-A at 3912 N. Roxboro Road (May 3). Additional DPD Cops on Tops events are scheduled for Chick-fil-A restaurants on September 20 (at 3429 Hillsborough Road) and November 15 (at 104 Residence Inn Road).

Persons interested in making donations to North Carolina Special Olympics can do so year-round. At the Durham Police Department contact Sergeant Jessica Butler by emailing [email protected] or calling (919) 973-9230.

Torch Run Apparel Sales

While supplies last the general public can support DPD’s Torch Run campaign by purchasing Torch Run T-shirts for $15 (teal blue cotton) and $20 (black Dri-Fit). One hundred percent of the funds received from apparel sales will help to cover training and other event expenses for more than 39,000 North Carolina Special Olympics athletes. Contact Officer Anna Carter by emailing [email protected] calling (984) 209-9129.