The Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is gearing up for the return of many of their cornerstone events over the next year and one volunteer who is dedicated to helping reignite that spark is Brad Cotmen.

Brad was introduced to LETR eight years ago through his induction training with the Alberta Sheriffs Branch and was immediately hooked.

“I see the benefits in the daily lives of the athletes, their excitement, their drive to compete, and the friendships that go along with the training and volunteering,” says Brad.

He credits the impact, along with the comradery between the athletes, volunteers, and his fellow officers as key motivators behind his drive to continue to be involved years later.

“I have met many great people and had experiences with athletes, volunteers, and members that I would not trade for anything,” says Brad. “I see how our work benefits the athletes and our community and will always strive to make sure that continues to happen.”

After jumping in to support a few events, he quickly became more involved in event planning for the Central Region and began supporting provincial initiatives as well.

His role has continued to evolve, and he currently sits as the Central Region Chair on the Ops Committee, a role he has flourished in.

For his incredible efforts and commitment to the movement, Brad was recently awarded the 2021 Guardian of the Flame Community Service Award which recognizes an outstanding LETR volunteer who has contributed to the success of the Law Enforcement Touch Run on a local and/or provincial level.

“I’m happy to say that it is a great honour for me and that I have enjoyed my time in contributing that has led to me receiving this award,” says Brad. “I am humbled that people think so much of what I do and have done and hope I can continue to make positive contributions in my future with the LETR.”

Over the past few years, LETR has continued to support Special Olympics through virtual events like Polar Plunge and the Virtual Summer Series, but Brad is ready to help kickstart in-person events across the province.

His personal goals for LETR over the next year include reintroducing LETR into the community, hosting new events, and creating fundraising opportunities within his region and others.

When asked what advice he would give to someone interested in volunteering with LETR he stated: “Talk to everyone. Enjoy the events but use the time to meet new people [and] get to know the athletes and the volunteers. They’re amazing people and their stories and friendship is an amazing thing to enjoy.”

April 24-30 marks National Volunteer Week, and this year we want to emphasize how important our volunteers are to us by spotlighting them throughout the week.

Visit https://www1.specialolympics.ab.ca/abvolunteer-week/ to see all our profiles and share a message with a volunteer who has made an impact in your life using our Twitter message board.

If you’re interested in volunteering, click here for more information about LETR, or click here to begin your journey with Special Olympics Alberta.