How Law Enforcement Is Fueling the Inaugural Southern Plane Pull to Support Special Olympics Illinois
On Saturday, May 31, the tarmac of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport will turn into a high-energy stage for strength and inclusion.
The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) will host the very first Southern Plane Pull, pitting teams of 10 against each other, competing to pull a 44,000-pound GoJet aircraft 12 feet in the shortest amount of time.
At the heart of this event is a powerful partnership with law enforcement, united in raising the funds that fuel year-round training, competition, and life-changing opportunities for Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
Building Momentum
Officer Mike Shewmaker of the O’Fallon Police Department has been involved in LETR for two years, and his excitement about the Southern Plane Pull is contagious.
“I’m part of the team helping plan and gather support for the event,” Shewmaker said. “I’m trying to get people fired up for it by pointing out the competitive nature—pulling a plane is such a test of strength and teamwork.”
Shewmaker’s department is deeply involved in Special Olympics Illinois events, regularly helping organize and fundraise. The Southern Plane Pull, he believes, is a unique opportunity to expand their impact even further.
“I’m hoping this brings awareness to more people in our community. We already have a great core of support, but events like this are how we bring new people in—people who may become volunteers, sponsors, or lifelong advocates.”
What drives Shewmaker’s commitment is simple: the athletes.
“Special Olympics Illinois is so important to them. It’s not just about sports. It’s about friendships, confidence, and connection,” he said. “If someone’s on the fence about joining or donating, I always say: just come to one event. Meet the athletes. You won’t need any more convincing after that, they’ll have you hooked.”
Bringing People Together
Detective Alex Joseph of the Fairview Heights Police Department has seen firsthand how LETR builds relationships between officers and their communities.
Since becoming LETR coordinator for his department in 2019, he’s led dozens of events—Polar Plunges, Cop on a Rooftop, Tip-a-Cop nights, and more.
To him, the Southern Plane Pull is a chance to take those efforts to the next level in the southern part of the state.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring law enforcement, athletes, and the community together for one goal,” Joseph said. “In southern Illinois, we have the resources to make this a successful event, and we’re showing that support for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois is truly statewide.”
Joseph and his department aren’t just organizing a team, they’re actively recruiting others to join and sponsor the event. His method? Sharing athlete stories.
“I talk about the athletes and how these events impact them, not just during competitions but throughout the year,” he said. “They get to participate in something they love, be part of a team, and have the support of their communities. It makes a huge difference.”
For Joseph, the biggest takeaway he hopes the community walks away with is how powerful inclusion can be when it’s a shared effort.
“I hope our neighbors, families, and local businesses come together with the police department in support of these athletes. If this event is a success, it sets the stage for even greater things ahead.”
Statewide Dedication
Investigator Adam Krack of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office brings statewide perspective and personal commitment to LETR. He’s been involved with the Illinois Torch Run since 2016, and what started as a professional responsibility has become a family-wide passion.
“My wife Jennifer is at every event with me, and my son Preston has done three plunges,” Krack said. “Last year, I shadowed the Lewis University Plane Pull, and my daughter Charli got to sit in the cockpit and meet the pilots. She had a blast and now we’re bringing that same energy to southern Illinois.”
For Krack, this event is a special opportunity to bring together different offices from across the state and to offer something memorable for families, officers, and most importantly, the athletes.
“This Southern Plane Pull is going to be extraordinary,” he said. “Families will get to be up close with the plane, interact with pilots, enjoy music, cheerleaders, and all kinds of fun. It’s not something you forget.”
But beyond the excitement, Krack emphasizes the life-changing impact of Special Olympics Illinois.
“I know athletes who were bullied in school. They found Special Olympics Illinois and now they’re leaders,” he said.
Krack believes events like this remind the public that inclusion matters, and that progress happens when people pull in the same direction.
“This organization has always put the athletes first,” he said. “And I can’t wait to see all the families enjoy the day, connect, and celebrate what we can accomplish together.”
Join us in lifting more than just a plane—help create a space where athletes rise and inclusion takes flight. Discover how you can be part of the inaugural Southern Plane Pull.