ARUNDEL — Local law enforcement was on hand on the border between Kennebunk and Arundel to receive the Flame of Hope, as part of the Special Olympics torch’s 900-mile relay through Maine.

According to the website for the Special Olympics of Maine, the torch will arrive at the University of Maine at Orono, on June 5, for the competition, which will last through June 7. Law Enforcement officers have run in the relay since 1985, raising over $1 million for the Special Olympics through a combination of pledges and fundraisers in association with the torch relay.

York County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer Matt Cummer began participating in this event several years ago with his father, Brian Cummer, of the Kittery Police Department, and said many members law enforcement care dearly about causes like these. For them, an event like the torch relay is a bonding experience for officers.

“When you’re all together, there’s teamwork, you’re not leaving anyone behind,” Cummer said.

Kittery Patrol Deputy Rachel Horning was participating for the eigth time and, she says, she makes every effort to be a part of the event each year.

“It feels great. We all take turns ”¦ we are all here on our own time as a unit to raise awareness,” Horning said.