Award Nominations

John Carion
“Unsung Hero” Award

The John Carion Award was created to honor the memory of Sergeant John Carion, Sterling Heights (MI) Police Department and his many contributions to the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics. The award is presented by the LETR Regional Coordinators from around the world and intended to recognize an unsung Torch Run volunteer on behalf of John Carion, who was himself an unsung Torch Run hero

  • Criteria: To be eligible for consideration, a nominee must have participated for at least five (5) years in the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Hall of Fame inductees and individuals currently on the Hall of Fame “active” nomination list are not eligible for this award. They must have contributed to the success of the LETR on a local, state or community level. This individual should contribute to the Torch Run and Special Olympics in spirit, dedication and enthusiasm in an effective and unheralded fashion.
  • Required Documents: Complete nomination form, Minimum of two Letters of support from individuals who have worked closely with the nominee and, 6-8 digital photos
  • Approvals: Nominations require the approval of the nominee’s Special Olympics Program CEO and must be submitted through the nominator’s LETR or Special Olympics Program.
  • Nomination Period: John Carion Award nominations remain in consideration for a period of two years. Programs with a carryover nomination is responsible for updating/refreshing the application for the second year of eligibility.
  • Questions: Contact Mark McGugan, Chair of the John Carion Selection Committee.

Nominations have closed for 2024. Nominations will open in the Spring/Summer of 2025.