Jersey City police officers carried on a 35-year tradition Friday morning ahead of the Special Olympics.

Participating officers escorted the Olympic torch on Communipaw Avenue and eventually handed it off to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.

Police said their mission was just another example of how they interactive with neighborhood.

"There's no better example of the police being involved in their community than getting involved with a cause that's important and statewide with the Special Olympics," said Lt. Patrick Sullivan. "These officers are on their own time, raising money, donating on their own.”

The Prosecutor's Office then ran the torch to the Newark border and passed it on to the Newark Police Department.

Thousands of law enforcement members throughout the state participate in the torch run and fundraising for the Special Olympics throughout the year.

The Special Olympics are slated to start this weekend at the College of New Jersey in Ewing.