FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Officer Mark Priebe of the Springfield Police Department was named the “Outstanding Unsung Hero in Region 3” by the Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Missouri. The state’s top achievers were recognized on Dec. 10 at a ceremony in Jefferson City, Mo.
“Mark is so very deserving of the Unsung Hero award, and I truly enjoy having him as part of our LETR family,” said Crystal Schuster of Special Olympics Missouri.
Region 3 represents the southwest area of Missouri. Priebe works tirelessly year-round with Special Olympics Missouri to raise funds and awareness for the athletes through a variety of events. Next up is the Polar Plunge on Jan. 30. Priebe is committed to helping lead these efforts and has recruited a team from SPD to take the plunge once again this year.
LETR was founded by the Missouri Police Chiefs Association (MPCA) 29 years ago and is the organization’s largest grassroots fundraising program in the state. Special Olympics is law enforcement’s charity of choice, not only in Missouri, but throughout the United States and in 46 countries worldwide.
The LETR Awards Ceremony recognized individual and department efforts during the 12-month period of Sept. 1, 2014 through Aug. 31, 2015. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Missouri Police Chiefs Association mid-year conference and also kicked off 2016 efforts.
Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 16,000 athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides athletes with continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community. For more information, visit Special Olympics Missouri's website.
MSHP Sgt. Jeff Fugett presents SPD’s Officer Mark Priebe with the Outstanding Unsung Hero award.
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Media Contact: Lisa Cox, Public Affairs Officer
417-864-1786
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