MARYVILLE – Officer Keith Hopke of the Maryville Police Department carried the Flame of Hope through Maryville on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, as part of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run, an effort to raise awareness for Special Olympics Illinois.
Hopke received the flame from officers with the Collinsville Police Department as the torch traveled across multiple law enforcement agencies in Illinois, according to the Maryville Police Department.
The torch run is part of a broader awareness effort for Special Olympics Illinois, the Maryville Police Department said.
Known as the Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the opening ceremonies of local competitions. They also carry it into Special Olympics state, provincial, national, regional, and world games.
More than 97,000 law enforcement members carry the Flame of Hope annually. The flame symbolizes courage and the celebration of diversity, uniting communities around the globe.
