Special Olympics Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run Passes Through Middlefield

By Cassandra Day 

Middletown's noontime hour was punctuated by the piercing wail of police sirens as the Special Olympics Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run made its way through Middlefield and into the city Thursday.

Scott Thayer of Middletown met the entourage on Broad Street and proudly carried the torch from in front of the Russell Library to the Middlesex Mutual courtyard to resounding applause from runners and onlookers alike. This is the eighth year he's been the official torch relayer. 

His mother and aunt accompanied him, posing for pictures.

The majority of Connecticut's 48-member 123rd Police Academy Training Troop ran in today's event which broke for lunch at Middlesex Mutual on Court and Broad streets.

This was the first time recruits Adrian Loignon, who will join Bloomfield Police, and Rich Casey, who's headed to Guilford Police upon graduation; participated in the torch run.

Loignon says he was thrilled to have almost 100 percent participation from the class, which will be full-fledged officers after the June 24 ceremony. "These guys are at the tail end of their basic training, which means they're dealing with shin splints," and many other physical hindrances after the state's intensive 22-week program.

Both Loignan and Casey ran 2.5 miles today.

"This is a great cause and a great chance for the troops to get involved at the beginning of their career," Casey says. Every one donated money to Special Olympics Connecticut as well.

A steel drum calypso duo played island music as runners stopped to enjoy a giant spread donated by Middlesex Mutual's Chef's Palate Catering with burgers fresh off the grill and other cookout staples, breaking only for Mayor Dan Drew to address the crowd.

Drew praised all the law enforcement officers and academy recruits who he says protects the public safety of Middletown and the state selflessly on a daily basis. As he left the microphone, Thayer gave him a big hug.

NBC meteorologist Bob Maxon was supposed to run in today's event, but he tells Middletown Patch that Tropical Storm Andrea, which today hit Florida and is headed toward the East Coast, necessitated he stay in the studio.

He sent Special Olympics Connecticut his apologies.