As the founder of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Chief Richard LaMunyon serves as Chairman Emeritus for the LETR International Executive Council. His illustrious career began in 1963 when he joined the Wichita Police Department in Kansas, and he became the youngest Chief of Police in the department’s history at age 36. Recognizing a need to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, he established a bond with Kansas Special Olympics in 1978 and founded the Torch Run in 1981.
Chief LaMunyon retired from the Wichita Police Department in 1989, transitioning to roles in the pari-mutuel racing commission, police management consulting, and becoming the City Manager for the City of Maize, retiring in 2024. His dedication to public service continued as he worked to elevate the Torch Run, which started with five Wichita officers and has grown to over 110,000 officers worldwide, raising more than $1 billion.
Under LaMunyon’s leadership, the Torch Run became the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for the Special Olympics. His commitment to the cause has not only enhanced the lives of Special Olympics athletes but also fostered mutual respect between law enforcement officers and their communities. Chief LaMunyon’s enduring legacy is a testament to his dedication to service, inclusion, and the betterment of society through compassionate leadership and innovative thinking.
Contact Chief LaMunyon
Kansas, USA