Royal Oak Police Participate in Torch Run for Special Olympics

Members of the Royal Oak Police Department, including the police chief, laced up their running shoes Friday for Special Olympics.

Chief Corrigan O'Donohue was joined by Sgt. Al Carter, Sgt. Dave Budzynowski, Sgt. Patrick Stanton (who brought his son Reed), Officer Steve Teichow and Officer Josh Yancho.


The relay, which included eastern and western legs that came together in Southfield, raised money and awareness for athletes who participate in Special Olympics Michigan.

This is the 15th year Carter, who organized the Royal Oak team, has volunteered his time.

"I am blessed with four healthy sons and I wanted to be a part of this," Carter said.

O'Donohue  handed off the torch at 12 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue to Berkley Public Safety Sgt. Pete Kelly, who carried it to the Berkley Public Safety Department, where BPS Sgt. Corey Miller and Officer Dennis Geary, along with Lathrup Village Police Officer Mike Gorbe, headed west on 12 Mile to the next rally point at Greenfield Road.

The eastern and western relay legs were slated to come together in Southfield and wrap up with a pizza party at the city's Civic Center.

In 2012, Michigan's Torch Run program raised more than $1,000,000," according to its website. 

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