Assistant Chief Todd Martens began his career with the McPherson Police Department in July 1988. For Assistant Chief Martens, being involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is a deeply rewarding experience. “Even though I am just a small part of the Torch Run, I see the joy, smiles, competition, and friendships it brings to athletes who might not otherwise have the opportunity to compete.” His dedication reflects the heart of LETR’s mission to create meaningful opportunities for Special Olympics athletes.
One of Assistant Chief Martens’ favorite memories is a humorous moment during a Torch Run on Old 81-Highway, where a dog unexpectedly chased the torch carrier for about a quarter of a mile before running off. Another standout moment was his time at the 2009 Winter World Games in Idaho. There, he had the privilege of speaking to Idaho State University students about Special Olympics and the Torch Run, followed by a moving blessing ceremony performed by a local Indigenous tribe.
International LETR Experience:
Assistant Chief Martens represented Kansas in the Final Leg of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Despite the cold, he found it incredibly meaningful to connect with officers from across the U.S. and around the world. He also had the honor of attending the international LETR conference in Connecticut, further enriching his commitment to the mission. In 2011, Assistant Chief Martens was inducted into the Richard LaMunyon Hall of Fame, an honor that reflects his dedication and contributions to LETR.
Over the years, Assistant Chief Martens has served as a county coordinator, area coordinator, and LETR board member. He values the opportunity to work alongside passionate officers from diverse agencies who share his commitment to supporting Special Olympics athletes.
In his downtime, Assistant Chief Martens enjoys fishing, woodworking, and supporting Kansas sports teams, particularly the Chiefs and Royals. Thank you, Assistant Chief Todd Martens, for your unwavering dedication to the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the athletes it serves!
