Sgt. Melanie Martin is dedicated. She’s dedicated to her job at the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office where she is quick to support co-workers and assist wherever possible. She’s dedicated to the NC Law Enforcement Torch Run both in her community and statewide. That dedication was rewarded when Sgt. Martin was recognized as a 2015 Cleveland STRONG award winner for her service to the community.
Sgt. Martin has been the Torch Run coordinator for the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office for four years, organizing numerous fundraisers and raising nearly $30,000 for Special Olympics North Carolina in that time. Events such as Donkey Basketball, polar plunges, raffles and a 5k run/walk have energized the community into supporting the nearly 40,000 Special Olympics athletes in the state. She also organizes the annual Torch Run Relay that passes through Cleveland County, bringing the Flame of Hope, the enduring symbol of the Special Olympics’ movement, to the community.
Her work was so tremendous that Sgt. Martin was recently asked to serve on the NC Law Enforcement Torch Run Council, a position that will allow her to promote the Torch Run and its work across the state. Her work ethic, spirit of teamwork and commitment to Special Olympics North Carolina has made Sgt. Martin a valuable addition to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, her community and the Special Olympics’ movement.
