MORRIS, IL- While police officers are widely criticized by many on one side of the political spectrum, those critics fail to realize that police departments nationwide are one of the biggest proponents of several charities, including the Special Olympics through the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
In Connecticut, for example, over 90 municipal police departments, 18 Department of Correction facilities, the Connecticut State Police, and college campus public safety agencies participated this year.
In Morris, Illinois, however, police use a faster means of transportation.
On Saturday at Grundy County Speedway, police officers from across Illinois raced stock cars painted in police cruiser motif as part of the annual Five-O Racing fundraiser for Special Olympics, SRP Local News reported.
For the Hometown Police Department, the night took on special meaning. While this was the fourth year the agency took part in the race, this year they took home first place overall, which meant a lot to the department, according to Chief Louis Dominguez.
“I have such an immense sense of pride, coming from such a small agency and seeing our community, family, and friends all come together to donate to the Special Olympics,” Dominguez said.
According to Special Olympics, the organization’s mission “is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.”
For the Hometown PD, Special Olympics is a critical mission.
“Last year, we finished in third place in fundraising with $16,000,” Hometown Police Department Commander Nathan Haubenreiser said. Since 2022, the department has raised nearly $75,000 for the cause.
“Our goal for this year was $20,000, and as of race day, we were at just over $14,000.” He said the department is close to that goal with a final number of $17,285 raised.
For the race, the department raced a retired patrol car against 24 other competitors in the 20-lap race. The car was originally sold by the department in 2012, and Haubenreiser repurchased it from a resident in 2022. He said he spent months turning it into what he referred to as “both a safe and fast car that we always look forward to racing.”
He noted that the competition consists of two parts: fundraising and racing.
“The fun thing is that all of the departments work together to help each other raise money. A lot of departments also work together to get sponsors for the race,” Haubenreiser said.
The Hometown Police Department collaborated with Orland Hills, Chicago, and Homewood PDs and Chivell Clothing Co. to get sponsorships. The company donated a portion of apparel sales to each team and also contributed as a sponsor for the race.
Haubenreiser said he was thankful for the community support of the event.
“The community and residents take pride in having Hometown well represented,” he said.
“You may think that our small town would struggle to compete with these larger towns with more businesses and residents, but Hometown is determined to show that the community and businesses care, and it sure does show.”
Hometown is located approximately 15 miles southwest of Chicago.
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