By Asst. Warden Nate Holton, Putnam CI

In April, Putnam Correctional Institution staff participated in a torch run in support of local and state law enforcement agencies' efforts to spread the word about the Special Olympics coming up in May.

Putnam CI

Putnam CI staff met at Palatka's Riverfront Park on the St. John's River to prepare for the race. After much leg stretching, a prayer for the Special Olympics and harassment of those who dared not to run, the torch was lit and the "Run" was on. The group set a "bee-line" down St. John's Avenue to the WalMart at U.S. 19. This was a 2.8 mile run/bike/car event with escort provided by the Putnam County Sheriffs Department and the Palatka Police Department, complete with sirens and flashing strobes.

The torch was alternated between runners with Warden White leading the pack, torch in hand, as they entered and settled in at the Wal-Mart parking lot. A group reveille was sounded and the bragging started. All in all it was a refreshing event for a very good cause and for the right reasons. One special note: Joann Harris, a biker, discovered the purpose of the gear lever on her multispeed bike after Warden White pushed her up the first hill.