La Plata, MD — In a striking show of support for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the La Plata Police Department (LPPD) has launched a police cruiser dedicated to the Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD) Torch Run. This partnership marks a continuing effort by local law enforcement to aid in fundraising and awareness for Special Olympics programs.
The newly decorated cruiser prominently features the Special Olympics Torch Run and SOM logos, symbolizing the department's commitment to the cause. For more than four decades, law enforcement has been instrumental in raising funds for the Special Olympics, making them the largest contributor to the organization nationwide.
Betsy Jiron, the Law Enforcement Torch Run Liaison for Special Olympics Maryland, emphasized the significance of this partnership. "Carl Schinner and the La Plata Police Department have taken their support one step further with a 'wrapped' police cruiser that not only will help create more awareness for Special Olympics Maryland but also displays La Plata Police Department's amazing partnership and commitment to the community they serve," Jiron explained.
Officer Mary "Becca" Chaney, who specifically requested to be assigned to the SOMD cruiser, shared her personal connection to the cause. Having grown up assisting her mother, a special education teacher, and continually involved in special education programs, Chaney sees this assignment as a fulfillment of her lifelong dream to blend her career in law enforcement with support for individuals with special needs.
Chief Carl Schinner also commented on the initiative, stating, "It is extremely important that individuals with disabilities know they are important members of our community. Having it openly displayed on LPPD's Special Olympics Maryland and Pathfinders for Autism vehicles sends that important message... You are valued here in La Plata."
The vehicle's design and graphics were contributed by Suburban Signs, with La Plata-based business FGS generously donating the graphics, further illustrating the community's support for the project.
This initiative is just one of many efforts by the LPPD to integrate community service into their policing, demonstrating a model of civic-minded law enforcement that other departments might well consider emulating.
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