Injured Clairton Officer Participates In Torch Run

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Before he was injured in a shooting, Clairton Police Officer Jim Kuzak had planned to participate in a torch run with his fellow law enforcement officers to raise money for Special Olympics; but Officer Kuzak isn't letting his injuries stop him.

Kuzak has been in a wheelchair since he was shot while responding to a home invasion in April; but his chief says he will still join the other Pennsylvania law enforcement officers to support this worthy cause.

"He is actually going to hold the torch," Clairton Police Chief Rob Hoffman told KDKA. "We're going to help him roll along and he's going to do some himself, and he's going to go all 2.5 miles -- that's his goal."

Along with his fellow officers, Kuzak has helped raise $50,000 through pledges.

Officers running the first leg of the torch run lined up at PNC Park today to kick off the three-day, 150-mile journey to State College for the opening ceremonies for the Summer Games.

Jessica Clayton was one of three of Pennsylvania's Special Olympians on hand to help light the Flame of Hope today. "Let me win," Clayton said to help kick off the ceremony. if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt."

This is the first time law enforcement officers in Pennsylvania have participated in the torch run.

The torch will be handed off each of the forty legs of the run before reaching State College.

RELATED LINKS:
More About The "Be A Fan" Torch Run
Special Olympics of Pennsylvania
Support Special Olympics
More News About Officer Kuzak
More Local News