DOWNEY - Adam Christin, a lieutenant with the California Highway Patrol and a Downey resident, has been awarded the 2013 John Carion "Unsung Hero" Award by the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics.Christin received the award at the international LETR Conference held in Orlando earlier this month. The award is a tribute to Sgt. John Carion of the Sterling Heights Police Department (Mich.), who died in a plane crash in 1994. Carion was "an effective leader in the LETR effort, especially in the areas of law enforcement volunteerism for Special Olympics and furthering the ideals of Unified Sports in Special Olympics," officials said. "I am very honored to have received this award," said Christin. "I love to work with the athletes of Special Olympics Southern California and the men and women of law enforcement. Every officer that helps Special Olympics is an unsung hero and deserves to be acknowledged." Christin has supported the Southern California Torch Run for 14 years and also directs the annual "plane pull" event in Long Beach, gathering the support of local companies to participate and sponsor the fundraiser. He has actively coordinated the local Tip-A-Cop fundraising events and forged new local partnerships with restaurants, inspiring them to support Special Olympics athletes and programs. Additionally, he serves as a Special Olympics softball coach and has been recognized by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors for his "outstanding community service." "Adam is known for going above and beyond, participating in LETR events, gathering materials and supplies on his own time and at his own expense," LETR officials said. "Adam is the ideal volunteer. His love for our athletes, coupled with his demand for excellence, is a perfect combination. He has personally made the annual Plane Pull one of SOSC's premier fundraising events, and his unselfish coaching of an SOSC softball team further proves his commitment."

********** Published: Nov. 21, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 32