The John Carion Award was created to recognize outstanding individuals who have contributed to the success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run on a local, state or community level. The John Carion “Unsung Hero” is someone who contributes to the Torch Run and Special Olympics in spirit, dedication and enthusiasm in an effective and unheralded fashion. The award was created to honor the memory of Sgt. John Carion, Sterling Heights (MI) Police Department and his many contributions to the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics. The Unsung Hero award is a tribute to Sergeant John Carion, who epitomized the term “Unsung Hero” during his lifetime before his untimely death in a plane crash in January, 1994. John was a low-key, quiet, but effective leader in the Torch Run effort, especially in the areas of law enforcement volunteerism for Special Olympics and furthering the ideals of Unified Sports in Special Olympics.