03/28/2019
NEW YORK STATE POLICE STAFF INSPECTOR RICHARD ALLEN TO LEAD CANANDAIGUA POLAR PLUNGE SATURDAY, MARCH 30
Allen Earned the 2018 John Carion ‘Unsung Hero’ Award for Volunteerism
Special Olympics New York today announced that Staff Inspector Richard Allen of the New York State Police will lead the Canandaigua Polar Plunge Saturday, March 30. Allen is the recipient of the 2018 John Carion ‘Unsung Hero’ Award, a national Special Olympics recognition, in honor of his more than 26 years of dedication to the athletes of Special Olympics New York through the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) movement.
“We are honored to have someone of Rick’s stature lead our athletes, friends and supporters participating in the Canandaigua Polar Plunge,” said Stacey Hengsterman, president and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “Rick is a true champion of inclusion, having volunteered so much of his time to support our athletes over the years. He is truly deserving of the Unsung Hero Award and we are proud to have him as chair of the Plunge and as part of our Special Olympics New York family.”
Staff Inspector Allen is a member of the New York State Law Enforcement Torch Run State Committee. He leads the LETR initiative throughout the Greater Rochester Area and is chairman of the Special Olympics New York Canandaigua Polar Plunge. Under his leadership, the March 30th plunge is expected to raise $75,000 for Special Olympics New York.
Those interested in participating in the Canandaigua Polar Plunge can register at www.polarplungeny.org/Canandaigua.
The John Carion Award was created to recognize outstanding individuals who have contributed to the success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run on at the state or local level. The ‘Unsung Hero’ is a person who contributes to the Torch Run and Special Olympics in spirit, dedication and enthusiasm in an effective and unheralded fashion. Staff Inspector Allen is a standout in all those areas.
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. 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.
About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest statewide Special Olympics chapter in the country, serving nearly 68,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with nearly 150 schools statewide to offer unified sports. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. Learn more at www.specialolympicsNY.org and #SpecialOlympicsNY.
