LETR Hosts Record Breaking Fire Truck Pull in Central Texas

By Ramonica Jones

A record-breaking 39 teams participated in the 3rd annual Central Texas area Fire Truck Pull challenge on August 26 in Round Rock. The Law Enforcement Torch Run challenge was the largest Fire Truck Pull in Special Olympics Texas history and pulled in an astonishing $13,000 to support SOTX athletes.  The toughest tug-of-war contest around kicked off with Opening Ceremonies featuring area athletes and a welcome from President and CEO Margaret Larsen.  One by one, burly teams of 12 took turns at the rope with hopes of pulling a 55,000 pound fire truck 50 feet the fastest.  There could only be one winner - and the Round Rock Police Department's NOT SWAT team walked away with the "2012 Fire Truck Pull Challenge Champion" title.  NOT SWAT won first place after competing in a "pull off" with this year's civilian winner, Central Baptist Church. After the Pull, participants enjoyed the Round Rock Express baseball game at Dell Diamond. 

The Round Rock Police Department, Round Rock Fire Department and Round Rock Express Dell Diamond hosted the fundraiser.  This year's Chief Sponsor was United Heritage Federal Credit Union.

Pictured from left to right: 1st place winner - Round Rock Police Department NOT SWAT (emergency services category) and 2nd place winner - Central Baptist Church (civilian category); 2nd photo: Superheroes and an Austin SOTX athlete; 3rd photo: Award winner for Most Money Raised - Defiant CrossFit; 4th photo - Austin Parks and Rec Eagles delegation