Hopkinton Police Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Noah Buentello participated in the Special Olympics Cruiser Convoy on Saturday. (Photo Courtesy Hopkinton Police Department)
Deputy Police Chief Scott van Raalten reports that Hopkinton Police Sgt. Shannon N. Beloin and Officer Noah Buentello participated in the Special Olympics Cruiser Convoy on Saturday.
The Special Olympics Cruiser Convoy, part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Massachusetts, was held on Saturday, June 6.
“Saturday was truly a one-of-a-kind day,” said Sgt. Beloin. “Officers from all over Massachusetts take their cruisers and convoy into Harvard to start off the Special Olympics games and present medals to the Olympians. It’s an honor to get to be there and be a ‘hero’ to those who make it a mission to spread happiness and unwavering trust each day.”
The Cruiser Convoy may be the largest and most anticipated single day event on the Law Enforcement Torch Run calendar.
The event spans from the Berkshires to Provincetown, and the North Shore to New Bedford, as Law Enforcement officers convoy from all over the state to the 2026 Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games at Harvard’s Athletic Complex in Boston.
“They represent the best of society — how could you not love being a part of this event?” asked Sgt. Beloin. “Some of the Olympians were able to recognize us from years past and interactions from town, so it was a really special day to be there for them.”
Participating officers help to present medals, interact with athletes and enjoy a celebratory lunch.
“This was my second year attending the Special Olympics cruiser convoy,” said
Officer Buentello. “It is such a powerful experience seeing hundreds of officers and agencies from across the Commonwealth representing themselves in the name of inclusion.”
Departments are asked to donate $100 per cruiser to participates (or whatever amount feels appropriate). Funds raised directly support the athletes so they can continue to train and compete safely.
The convoy’s final destination is Harvard University, and officers are encouraged to walk around campus, watch Special Olympics athletes compete and present medals after competition.
“As cool as it is to drive down the convoy route with lights and sirens, my favorite thing about the day is meeting the athletes and watching them compete,” said Officer Buentello. “It’s just an incredibly rewarding event. I look forward to participating in the years to come.”
Special Olympics athletes participate in Summer Games sports including volleyball, traditional track and field, swimming, power lifting and tennis.
“There are few better ways for our officers to interact with the community,” said Deputy Chief van Raalten. “Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Noah Buentello both put their hearts into their Convoy participation, and they had an amazing time. I’m proud of them both.”
Hopkinton Police Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Noah Buentello participated in the Special Olympics Cruiser Convoy on Saturday. (Photo Courtesy Hopkinton Police Department)