Law enforcement agenices recognized
SIKESTON -- Recognition for charitable efforts was recently received by area law enforcement.
Law enforcement agencies from around the state including the Sikeston Department of Public Safety and Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E's Jim McNiell were honored earlier this month for outstanding achievements and dedication to Special Olympics Missouri at the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Awards Luncheon in Jefferson City.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an organization made up of law enforcement agencies from around the world. The Missouri LETR supports the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri through volunteer and fundraising efforts.
The Sikeston DOS received the award for highest gross increase with $1,785 and the award for greatest percentage increase with 476 percent.
Juden said DPS participates in the run as it makes its way through Sikeston and by selling the T-shirts to support the Torch Run.
"I just think we got a little more involved this year than we have in the past," Juden said. "With the nature of our business, our level of involvement depends on how busy we are with our day-to-day operations -- sometimes we can put a little more time into a project than we can at other times of the year."
Even when they have the opportunity to dedicate more time to the effort, DPS can't do it all alone, he said.
"A lot of it depends not only on us, but also on the community," Juden said. "The more T-shirts we are able to sell, the more we are able to give to the organization."
Lt. Jim McNiell of Troop E was given the Outstanding Volunteer/Unsung Hero Award.
"I was very honored and humbled by it when they called my name at the banquet because I was not expecting it," McNiell said. "This is the second time I've received this honor in the last three years."
McNiell said he is Troop E's troop coordinator for Special Olympics. Troop E's participation includes selling T-shirts and caps in its 13-county area.
"I don't do it for any glory other than the self-satisfaction of helping others participate in Special Olympics," McNiell said. "It really does my heart good to see the enjoyment and the opportunities that these special people have to compete in these Special Olympics."
Troop E is consistently one of the Patrol's top fundraisers which is "a credit to Southeast Missouri," according to McNiell. "We excel among the troops and that's because of the generosity of those who buy from us."
Missouri's LETR was founded in 1986 by the Missouri Police Chiefs Association and is ranked 8th in the world in terms of funds raised and support given to the program.
The Sikeston DPS has participated in the event "every since its inception," Juden said. "We participate every year and have been involved in their run every year. It's for a good cause -- it's something that law enforcement as a whole has always supported."