WELLS — Detective Todd Bayha of Wells has been literally carrying a torch for Special Olympics almost as long as he’s been protecting and serving his community.

Bayha is one of 600 Maine law enforcement volunteers who run more than 900 miles each June, carrying a flaming torch from one end of the state to the other. They raise money and carry a message of hope and support for people with intellectual disabilities.

“I’ve been volunteering with Special Olympics since I was 15 years old. My father was a track coach and he was always going to Special Olympic meets and giving back his time to his community,” said the 34-year-old detective.

Originally from Rhode Island, Bayha said shadowing his father at these events allowed him to see firsthand how important the Special Olympics events are for mentally disabled athletes, providing training and conditioning in a host of sports and recreational activities which enrich their lives.

Bayha entered law enforcement in 2006 after serving in the Army. As a member of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office, he started running in the Torch Run that same year.

“I can remember the first Special Olympic games I went to as an officer in uniform. It was life changing to be there and see how much it means to the athletes to receive their metals from people in uniform. When you see what they go through to compete, observe the growing awareness and compassion in the volunteers, it is inspiring. To watch the bonds that grow between the athletes and the officers, that is what means the most to me,” Bayha said, citing one local Wells athlete who has befriended the entire Wells police force.

“He sends an email every day, just to say hello. We look forward to those messages,” Bayha said.

After moving to Wells in 2006, Bayha volunteered to be the Wells Police Department’s liaison to the Special Olympics in Maine.

“Every branch of law enforcement is represented from police to game wardens,” said Lisa Bird, a spokesperson for Special Olympics Maine.

Bird says Detective Bayha is one of the most active liaison volunteers working year-round to organize events, raise awareness and much needed funds.

Last month, Bayha encouraged the Wells Parks & Recreation department to donate $500 of the proceeds from the annual Pilgrim Dash 5K Road Race to the Special Olympics Torch Run.

“Law enforcement is out there organizing 5Ks like the Pilgrim Dash, shaving their heads for money, jumping into lakes or earning tips by waiting tables or pumping gas. Without volunteers like Todd we couldn’t do what we do for these athletes,” Bird said.

Bayha is getting ready for a busy spring as volunteer coordinator for the department.

On March 13, officers awarded metals at a swim meet held at the University of New England.

Bayha is also hoping for a good turnout of Wells supporters for the Torch Run on June 2. The race will start in Berwick and go through Kittery right up Route 1.

“This isn’t just a little run and Wells, Maine is a huge part of our program,” Bird said.