Commander Ryan LeBaron of the Long Beach Police Department has been selected as a Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Final Leg Torch Runner for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy representing Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC). This prestigious honor will see LeBaron carry the Special Olympics Flame of Hope, which will be lit in Athens, Greece, and travel across Italy before arriving at the Opening Ceremony.
As a Torch Runner, LeBaron will promote the message of inclusion, running alongside fellow law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes to symbolize the global commitment to the Special Olympics movement.
The LETR, which began in 1981, is an international fundraising and public awareness campaign led by law enforcement personnel. It has raised over $1 billion for Special Olympics programs worldwide, with the strongest support coming from the United States and Canada. More than 100,000 officers participate annually, helping Special Olympics maintain its philosophy of never charging athletes to participate.
LeBaron’s law enforcement career spans more than two decades. He joined the Long Beach Police Department as a recruit in 2000 and rose through the ranks, earning promotions to sergeant in 2010, lieutenant in 2016, and commander in 2020. Over the years, he has served in various assignments, including Patrol, Field Training, S.W.A.T., Gang Enforcement, Criminal Intelligence, and Detective Division among others. Most recently, he has led the Professional Standards Division.
LeBaron’s dedication to SOSC is longstanding. As an Executive Council member for the Special Olympics Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run, he continues to play a crucial role in fostering relationships between law enforcement and Special Olympics communities. LeBaron recently said
There is no better program than Special Olympics to join law enforcement with the community. The power of sports does not only bring unity across neighborhood and societal boundaries, but it also allows law enforcement professionals to be seen as members of the community and demonstrate their shared values. I appreciate how Special Olympics portrays the human element of law enforcement, as officers and professional staff raise awareness and funds for our amazing athletes who deserve the best we can offer.
As he prepares to represent the LETR and SOSC on the global stage, LeBaron is set to inspire others through his leadership and commitment to inclusion at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games.