The Johnston Police Department has joined a growing list of military, police and fire groups to design the coins as a representation of the department.
Johnston Police Officer Ryan Hanssen, who sits on the law enforcement torch run committee for Special Olympics Iowa, was approached by a department detective about creating the challenge coin. Hanssen decided it would be a good way to show the department’s support for Special Olympics, too, by turning it into a fundraiser. The coins are being sold for $15 each.
“Anything that brings in money to support Special Olympics Iowa is a great thing,” Hanssen said. “After speaking with the detective, I spoke with my police chief and the chief was very receptive to the idea and of course supporting Special Olympics Iowa.”
Hanssen said the challenge coins are a popular collectible exchanged among military officers, law enforcement officials and first responders. The Johnston Police Department will produce 100 coins to sell. If there is an overwhelming interest and they sell out, Hanssen said, they will consider an additional order.
Hal Pittman, president and chief executive officer of Special Olympics Iowa, also is a retired military officer who has a personal collection of challenge coins. When the coins were originally created, members of the military and emergency services could present one to a fellow officer and upon encountering that person again, would challenge him or her to show the coin. If the recipient didn’t possess it at that time, the recipient owed the giver a beverage.
“It’s now a fun collecting activity for emergency services, first responders and military organizations,” Pittman said. “I’m so very happy to see that the Johnston Police Department is helping Special Olympics Iowa and in a fun way with challenge coins.”
Pittman said other groups are talking about doing the coins, too.
“We have such a large support system among law enforcement with the torch run; we’re the No. 1 charity of choice for the sheriff’s association,” he said.
He said challenge coins promoting Special Olympics Iowa is “just a great initiative to support the athletes.”
Many metro area law enforcement agencies are Special Olympics Iowa supporters, Hanssen said. Officers purchase shirts for fundraisers and help distribute canisters at area businesses to collect money. Johnston personnel also have helped Hanssen assemble charity baskets.
“We just ran the Iowa State Patrol half marathon and raised $100 for Special Olympics,” Hanssen said. “We are hoping to raise $1,000 between the coins and the collection containers we have out now for Special Olympics Iowa.
“We’re excited to partner with Special Olympics Iowa, because it’s a great cause,” he said. “This is done for the athletes. Their motto is one we support: ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’ Basically, don’t let yourself be defined by your disability.”
Buy the coin
Johnston Police Department challenge coins cost $15.
TO PURCHASE: Cash or a check made payable to Special Olympics Iowa may be taken or mailed to the Johnston Police Department, 6221 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, Ia. 50131. Checks also may be sent to Special Olympics Iowa, 551 S.E. Dovetail Road, Grimes, Ia. 50111.
