A special ceremony will take place at the Lakewood Police Department this Friday when Captain Bryan Keller from the Bothell Police Department and co-director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign for Special Olympics Washington will be recognizing Sgt. Mark Renninger. Renninger was one of four officers who were killed while on duty Nov. 29 in a Parkland coffee shop.

A memorial recognition award will be given to Renninger’s widow for his involvement in the run.

Immediately following the recognition ceremony, hundreds of law-enforcement representatives and supporters along with Mrs. Renninger will carry the “Flame of Hope” to the Special Olympics Washington opening ceremonies of the annual Summer Games to be held at Joint Base Lewis McChord.

“We are so honored at Special Olympics to have the men and women in law enforcement on our team. The work they do supports our athletes in year-round competition and truly changes lives,” stated Beth Wojick, CEO of Special Olympics Washington. Wojick will also be in attendance to recognize all law enforcement involved in the Special Olympics movement

During the opening ceremonies the law-enforcement officers from each run route will simultaneously light one torch that will be carried by a Special Olympics athlete and law-enforcement representative who will then light the official “Flame of Hope” cauldron that watches over the Summer Games.