Dexter, Missouri - Local law enforcement officers gathered and carried out their annual Torch Run down Business Highway 60 from Wal-Mart to On the Go to benefit Special Olympics of Missouri.

The statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics was founded by the Missouri Police Chief's Association; however the local effort was organized by Det. Capt. Trevor Pulley with the Dexter Police Department.

Law enforcement officers from around the state run the torch each year to raise awareness for Special Olympics Missouri and the State Summer Games.  The games were held at Springfield this year in the first weekend of June.

What began in 1986 as a 30-mile run has grown into a 4-day relay covering more than 950 miles with nearly 1,000 runners.

Pulley raised money this year by selling Torch Run t-shirts which he still has some available at the Dexter Police Department.

Local law enforcement participating this year include Pulley, Trooper Russ Gibson, Deputy John Atkinson, Deputy Andrew Johnson, SO Kristie Palmer, SO Amy Holden, Mike Vinson, Deputy Derrick Durall, and DPD Cindy James.

Shown in the photo from left to right are: Stoddard County Deputy Andrew Johnson, Deputy Derrick Durall, Sheriff's Office Communicator Kristie Palmer, Deputy John Atkinson, Trooper Russ Gibson, Sheriff's Office Manager Amy Holden, Capt. Trevor Pulley, Sheriff's Office Communicator Mike Vinson, and Cindy Jones with the Dexter Police Department.