Boulder Leader

City of Boulder issued the following announcement on Dec. 4.

During a virtual awards ceremony, Seper was chosen out of 15 international candidates to receive the Hall of Fame award for his 35 years of continued volunteer service to the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and Special Olympics athletes. This is the highest individual award they bestow, and he is only the second Colorado peace officer to receive it since the inception of the LETR International Conference nearly 40 years ago.

“I’m honored and humbled and I guarantee you that all of the nominees, past, present, and future will tell you that the success and recognition of one, does not happen without the support, dedication, and teamwork of many,” Seper said.

“Throughout the years, I’ve been blessed to have worked alongside so many dedicated Colorado law enforcement, especially everyone at the Boulder Police Department, and the Special Olympics staff. The athletes are why we do what we do. In addition to raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics athletes, we also try to ease their pain as well as celebrate their courageous accomplishments. Truth be told, they ease our pain. With our relationships in Torch Run and with Special Olympics athletes, we are able to experience the true beauty in the world. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

BPD Chief Maris Herold said the agency couldn’t be prouder of Seper’s recognition.

“Dave’s great work and dedication to our community and these Special Olympic athletes embodies what we strive for every day as police officers and that is to build relationships and make our community better for all,” Chief Herold said.

Seper participated in his first Torch Run in 1985. Meeting a Special Olympic athlete for the first time, he immediately recognized the same pride and courage in the athlete that a law enforcement officer possesses.  From that day forward he committed himself to advocating for all Special Olympics athletes, both locally and throughout the world through organizing numerous fundraising events, later serving as the LETR state director overseeing all fundraising events.

Though he has been involved in many Special Olympics fundraisers, he was instrumental in organizing Colorado LETR’s first Polar Plunge event in 2008 and raised the highest amount of money in the 2009 Polar Plunge before doubling it the next year. Over the years he has also created one of the largest Torch Run legs in the state of Colorado by organizing an all-inclusive walk/run event, inviting and encouraging law enforcement officers, their families, the community and Special Olympic athletes and families to participate in this fundraising and awareness building event. 

Original source can be found here.