Biloxi Police on world stage in a Special way

The Biloxi Police Department, which for years has played a lead role in the annual Special Olympics State Games in Biloxi and the statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run, has been chosen to represent Biloxi and Mississippi in carrying the “Flame of Hope” on the last leg of its route to the Special Olympics World Games in Japan. Assistant Police Chief Rodney McGilvary, who is on the Special Olympics state board of directors, said Officer Louis Beck will be among the 68 law enforcement agencies and athletes from around the globe who have been designated to carry the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” from Tokyo to the host city of Nagano for the Feb. 26 opening ceremonies.

Beck

All expenses for the trip will be paid by Special Olympics.

“This is the first time that I’m aware of that we’ve
ever been involved in Special Olympics on the world stage,” McGilvary
said, “and this is quite an honor for the Biloxi Police Department
and for the entire city. We’re very proud to have been selected.”

Beck has been involved with Special Olympics on the local and state
level for most of the 15 years he’s been with the Biloxi Police
Department, McGilvary said.

“Patrolman Beck, three other Biloxi officers and I are directly
involved in the annual Torch Run here in Mississippi when the state games
are held at Keesler,” McGilvary said. “Everyone who volunteers
their time with Special Olympics gets hooked right away. It’s a
very rewarding experience, and you’re helping create special memories
for special people, and they’re memories that will last a lifetime.”