Police officers from all across New Jersey participated in the “Law Enforcement Torch Run” for the Special Olympics.

The event is one of the largest Special Olympics fundraiser of the year.

“It started with the Port Authority in 1983 and a handful of guys tried to figure out a way to raise money for the children and it's just continued throughout the state,” says Cpl. Harvey Cohen, of the Howell Township PBA.

Police officers from dozens of police departments ran the Special Olympics torch from the northern to southern parts of the state. By the end of the day more than 3000 runners will have traversed the state.

“What we do in the law enforcement community raising the money to support all the participants and their families…that's what the New Jersey law enforcement community is able to do,” says Cohen.

The event is expected to raise over $500,000 in donations and sponsorships.

The torch is used to light the cauldron at the New Jersey Summer Special Olympics opening ceremonies. Special Olympics events will take place this weekend.