Special Olympics South Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run Officer Receives International Recognition
Marcus Rhodes, of Myrtle Beach, inducted into Richard LaMunyon Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame
Lexington, SC – Special Olympics South Carolina is proud to announce that Marcus Rhodes, Director of the J. Reuben Long Detention Center with the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, has been inducted into the prestigious Richard LaMunyon Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Hall of Fame.
The Richard LaMunyon Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant, lasting contributions to the Torch Run and the Special Olympics movement at local, national, and international levels. Established in honor of the Torch Run’s founder, Wichita Police Chief, Richard LaMunyon, the Hall of Fame is the highest distinction within the Torch Run community.
Since its inception in 1981, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) has grown into a global initiative, with law enforcement officers, known as “Guardians of the Flame,” advocating for the inclusion and acceptance of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Marcus Rhodes is only the third South Carolinian to receive this distinguished honor. With over 31 years of dedicated service to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run program, Rhodes has become a cornerstone of the state’s Torch Run efforts. His unwavering commitment to the mission of Special Olympics South Carolina spans multiple roles, from fundraiser and unified partner to coach and Area Leadership Team volunteer in Horry County. His passion for supporting both his local community and Special Olympics athletes is evident in everything he does.
Beyond his local involvement, Rhodes has served as a mentor to other law enforcement agencies, both within South Carolina and nationwide, helping to spread the message of inclusion and acceptance on a global scale. His outstanding work with LETR earned him the prestigious national Jefferson Award, recognizing his profound impact on the Special Olympics community and beyond.
Rhodes is the longest-serving member of the LETR-South Carolina Council. Under his leadership, his local agency’s LETR program has raised over $1.5 million for Special Olympics South Carolina in the past 18 years alone through the Myrtle Beach Polar Plunge. He is also deeply involved with the Area 16 program, which plans and executes year-round sports and inclusion activities within the Myrtle Beach community. In addition, Rhodes has served as a coach for the 2022 USA Games and represented South Carolina as a Final Leg runner at the 2013 World Games in Korea.
Rhodes was surprised with this honor on November 16th at the International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference in San Antonio, Texas. He was joined by representatives from Special Olympics South Carolina, fellow members of the South Carolina LETR, and his wife, Barbara, who were all on hand to celebrate this remarkable achievement. To see WIS story, please click here.
