Chief Deputy Dave Sklarek of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office has been appointed the new Director of the Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest annual awareness and fund raising event amongst Special Olympics Florida and law enforcement agencies. Statewide, participating chiefs, officers, sheriffs, deputies, agents and cadets from virtually every branch of federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement, representing a total of over 300 different agencies, serve as the "Guardians of the Flame," carrying the Special Olympics "Flame of Hope" on an intrastate relay of simultaneous routes throughout Florida, covering thousands of miles.

The torch is carried all the way to the Opening Ceremonies of Florida's annual State Summer Games. Additionally, law enforcement agencies raise funds through special events and the sale of Torch Run t-shirts and hats.

Chief Deputy Sklarek's role as Law Enforcement Torch Run Director entails overseeing all aspects of the Torch Run and ensuring its continued success. Sklarek takes over the position from Major Gene Stokes (retired, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office), who had served as the Director since 1994.

Chief Deputy Sklarek has an extensive background with Special Olympics, having worked with Special Olympics Florida for several years when the organization's State Summer Games were held in Osceola County. During those Games, Chief Deputy Sklarek oversaw the efforts of the Sheriff's office and the Kissimmee Police Department, who served as the operations team for the Games.

Chief Deputy Sklarek's appointment comes with the support of Sheriff Bob Hansell. The Sheriff also has a long history of involvement with Special Olympics Florida and for the last two years, has served as the Honorary Chair of the Torch Run's "Final Leg."

ABOUT CHIEF DEPUTY SKLAREK: Sklarek joined the Osceola County Sheriff's Office in 1984 after serving in the United States Marine Corps. He has worked in and supervised many areas of the Sheriff's Office including Judicial Services, Training, Patrol and Criminal Investigations.

A state-certified instructor in firearms, defensive tactics and general subjects specializing in officer survival and high-risk tactical training, Chief Sklarek was a member, team leader and commander of the agency's SWAT team for a number of years. He was appointed to his current assignment as the Chief Deputy of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office by Sheriff Bob Hansell in January of 2005.