Polson officer takes on the Torch Run

Polson Police Officer Oscar Garcia is taking a new responsibility in the department and running with it.

This year, the newer officer is organizing the Torch Run, which will stroll through Lake County on April 31 and May 1.

“It’s an awesome thing, and I’m lucky that I get to be a part of it,” Garcia remarked.

Kalispell Police will hand the torch off in Rollins, and Missoula Police will take the torch in Arlee.

Garcia said that the Polson Police Department usually takes the torch from First Interstate Bank, located at the corner of U.S. Highway 93 and First Street East, to Town Pump in Polson.

For the rest of the length of the county, the department is holding a sort of “jog-a-thon.”

Each person participating needs to get at least $100 raised.

Monies raised go toward Special Olympians’ healthcare costs, Garcia confirmed.

“It’s (also) for prosthetics, health screenings and healthcare needs” in addition to healthcare costs, he added.

Currently, Garcia said there is no goal for how much the department hopes to raise, other than “as much as we can.”

The department is also looking for businesses to help sponsor Special Olympics athletes.

Coming up next month, the department will be working for tips, starting at 5 p.m. at Pizza Hut, 1402 U.S. Highway 93, Polson, on April 24.

For more information, contact Garcia at the Polson Police Department at 883-8211.