BRIGHAM CITY -- A longtime contributor to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics recently received a prestigious international hero award, but he says the real heroes of the event are the athletes themselves.
Lt. Michael C. Nelsen, 54, of Brigham City, was awarded the John Carion "Unsung Hero" Memorial Award for his substantial contribution to the run. He is the only Utah officer to have received the award.
"Mike Nelsen has been involved in the Utah Law Enforcement Torch Run since its inception in Utah in 1983," said Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Lee Perry. "He has always helped his department raise funds as part of the Torch Run and is a staple in running the torch each May throughout Utah."
Perry said Nelsen has promoted the Torch Run and Special Olympics in Brigham City and Box Elder County. He is always present at statewide torch run events and has helped with numerous Special Olympics events, handing out medals or helping run the events.
"He has brought more officers and athletes into the Special Olympics and Torch Run than probably any officer in Utah and has never let down on his efforts to make a difference," Perry said.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness organization for the Special Olympics, Nelsen said. The International Association of Chiefs of Police recognizes Special Olympics as its charity of choice.
Nelsen said more than 85,000 law enforcement officers participate across 35 nations, raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics. More than $200,000 was raised in Utah this year.
Nelsen became involved because of his love for the athletes.
"They have unconditional love. They love cops. They love competing, and they love people in general," he said. "We could all learn from them. They are great citizens and have worth in our communities."
In 2001, Nelsen was chosen to accompany the athletes to the Winter World Games in Alaska for the Final Leg Run. He has also been to several other states, promoting awareness and ideas on raising money to help Special Olympics. In addition, Nelsen's face can be seen on several campaign billboards throughout the Wasatch Front.
"These kids range in ages 8 to 100. It gives them something to live for. It gives them goals," he said. "They teach us so much about life. Our citizens in Brigham are so helpful with the program in the many ways they contribute."
After serving a mission to Ecuador for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nelsen graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in justice administration and political science. He initially wanted to go into law, but changed his mind after meeting the chief of police at Ricks College.
"I looked up to him and he was kind of a mentor to me," Nelsen said. "My grandfather was actually a chief of police in Brigham City, and even though he passed away when I was very small, I was proud to be following the career in the city where he worked."
Nelsen and his wife, Carrie, have five children and three grandchildren. They also own and operate a cattle farm.
Nelsen said he is honored to have received the award, named after Sgt. John Carion, from Michigan, for the work Carion did in the Torch Run and Special Olympics.
"I could not do it without the officers' hard work and their sacrifice," Nelsen said. "I didn't go into police work to become rich, but I certainly have become rich. Maybe not with the worldly possessions that money can buy, but with the love and respect that I have for all mankind."
To get involved in the Torch Run, call your local law enforcement department.
"Help out at a Tip-A-Cop, in a restaurant, do a Polar Bear Plunge, contribute money to this great cause," Nelsen said. "Lose yourself in the service of others."
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