
For more than four decades, Dennis Shaw has dedicated his life to public service—both in law enforcement and through his unwavering commitment to the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Kansas.
Dennis began his career in law enforcement on April 16, 1979, ultimately serving as Chief of the McPherson Police Department before retiring in 2011. Though officially retired, his dedication to the profession continues as the Executive Director of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police and through leadership roles with the FBI National Academy and Kansas Bureau of Investigation Youth Leadership Program.
A Heart for LETR
Dennis first became involved with LETR in 1984—though he admits he was “tricked” into it. During a leg of the run from Salina to Wichita, officers needed a restroom break and asked his department to run through town in their place. That single moment sparked a lifelong passion.
“The Torch Run was one of the highlights of my career,” Dennis shares. “To see officers show such care for people with disabilities is heartwarming. To see the athletes, who have worked so hard, is refreshing. This movement is so special because it started in Kansas.”
His dedication led him to become the top LETR fundraiser in Kansas in 1988 and again in 1991-92. He was later inducted into the Richard LaMunyon Kansas LETR Hall of Fame and received the prestigious John Carion “Unsung Hero” Award at the international level in 2014.
Memorable Moments
Among his most cherished memories is his selection for the 2007 Final Leg in China, where he had the incredible honor of carrying the torch up the Great Wall of China. He has attended multiple LETR conferences across the U.S., Canada, and even Hawaii, each time further strengthening his belief in the power of the movement.
One of the moments that impacted him the most was hearing a female athlete speak at a national conference. She shared that she had a twin sister who was incredibly smart, but she was born with Down syndrome. With confidence, she told the crowd, “My sister was not so lucky.” That moment cemented for Dennis just how powerful and transformative Special Olympics is for its athletes.
Beyond Law Enforcement
When Dennis isn’t advocating for Special Olympics Kansas, he stays busy with an impressive list of hobbies. A true adrenaline enthusiast, he has skydived, scuba-dived with sharks, raced motocross, competed in karate, and cycled down mountain trails. He is also active in pickleball, racquetball, golf, and even moderates the Bullitt Mustang car club.
Dennis’s dedication to service goes far beyond LETR. In one year alone, he simultaneously served as the State Director for Kansas LETR, President of the Optimist Club, and President of the YMCA—a true testament to his unwavering commitment to his community.
A Lasting Legacy
From designing the iconic 2005 Kansas LETR Tornado T-Shirt to collecting LETR shirts from every participating state and country—many of which now hang in the McPherson Law Enforcement Center lobby—Dennis’s impact on LETR is undeniable.
“The people I have met because of LETR are amazing, and I have made so many good friends,” Dennis says. “It is an honor to be the Honorary Chairperson for Kansas LETR, and I will always be grateful for the incredible experiences and friendships that have come from this movement.”
Thank you, Dennis, for your years of dedication, leadership, and passion for Special Olympics Kansas and LETR!