Officer Ryan Maxfield of Brandeis University PD didn’t grow up around Special Olympics. He isn’t a longtime volunteer or someone who has always had it on his radar. In fact, his first real exposure to it was just six months ago, when he showed up at Gillette Stadium for the Special Olympics Massachusetts Flag Football State Tournament. Turns out, one day at Gillette was all it took to reel him into the mission completely.

“I didn’t know anything about Special Olympics really until last year,” Ryan admitted. “But then I went to Gillette and met Dana, LJ, Chris… they kind of took me in and showed me how great this program is. As things progressed and I got a notice to be involved with something like [the Law Enforcement Torch Run], it’s a no-brainer for me. Sign me up, whatever you need.”

Ryan’s now diving into his first year with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), and he’s not just showing up—he’s going all in. Right now, he’s running alongside fellow officers and Special Olympics athletes as part of the 2025 Final Leg, bringing the Flame of Hope across the state to spread the mission of inclusion, LETR, and announcing the upcoming Summer Games at Harvard University.

But Ryan’s connection to the mission of Special Olympics doesn’t stop at volunteer work or the Torch Run—it starts at home. He’s a proud dad to a young son with autism, and like any parent, he dreams of a future where his child can succeed.

“It makes me feel great as a dad because, I think for him specifically, with the athletic development, it may be a little bit slower than other kids,” said Ryan. “So, somewhere where he can potentially thrive and get the confidence that he would get from sports, I think is a wonderful opportunity.”

So this week, instead of heading into his regular day-to-day routine, Ryan will be surrounded by athletes, officers, and moments that remind him why he said “yes” to being a Guardian of the Flame.

“My son is still young and hasn't had the chance to compete in Special Olympics yet," said Ryan. "But I run today in the hope that someday he will. Someday he will hear the roar of the crowd cheering him on, not because he's different, but because he's powerful. Capable. Unstoppable."

"I'll keep showing up, I'll keep carrying this torch for him and for every athlete out there who deserves to be seen for who they truly are.

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