Pasco Officers Carry the Torch for Olympians

The Special Olypics torch made its way through Land O' Lakes Thursday, accompanied by about 40 law enforcement officers.

Sheriff Chris Nocco got the torch run started at 9 a.m., joined by fellow Pasco deputies and officers from Zephyrhills Corrections and FHP.

"Bad Boys" blared from a crime prevention vehicle leading the pack.

Some drivers pulled over to cheer them on as the procession made its way north on Land O' Lakes Boulevard.

"It brought tears to my eyes," Letha Speros said. "I thought it was awesome."

The officers sold T-shirts and self-sponsored the run, which garnered about $1,000 that will be donated to Special Olympics Florida.

Pasco County has the second-largest number of Special Olympics athletes in the state, said Tina Gignac, family chairperson for Pasco Special Olympics.

Gignac's son Dakota, 15, participated in his first Special Olympics as an 8-year-old.

Dakota gave the sheriff a hug before heading off to school—he didn't want to be late, he said.

"To be out here with our Olympians, it was a great day," Nocco said.