MANCHESTER, N.H. – Samuel Mutungi's passion for running started during his sprints to and from school as a child in his home country of Kenya. Now, he channels that passion into running for a great cause.

Mutungi, a Hillsborough County corrections officer and AFSCME Local 3657 member, participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to support the Special Olympics of New Hampshire on June 2.

Corrections Officer Samuel Mutungi. (Zac Bears/AFSCME Council 93)

Guided by a police escort, Mutungi and almost 50 other runners glided on to the grounds of the Hillsborough County House of Corrections where James Kimball, a Special Olympics athlete for 36 years, told the runners how much help their support provides to the organization.

"The Special Olympics and law enforcement have a great relationship," Kimball said. "The Law Enforcement Torch Run always helps us fundraise for our summer games."

Mutungi participated in this leg of the run, which began at the Mall of New Hampshire in South Manchester and ended over 3 miles away at the House of Corrections. But Mutungi didn't stop there—he kept running all the way to Concord, N.H., almost 20 miles away.

A corrections officer for almost two years, Mutungi says the Torch Run has physical benefits for his sisters and brothers who are responsible for guarding potentially dangerous people.

"This helps morale and keeps us in good health," he explained. "The work we do is muscular, and this builds cardio strength."

He also said that the run shows the community that everyone stands together, especially for a cause as important as the Special Olympics.

"I used to run in Kenya, from primary school right through college," he said. "Every day I run six miles."

Chief Steward Steve Goldman said that AFSCME members have been participating in the torch run for almost 15 years.

Runners approach the Hillsborough County House of Corrections in Manchester, N.H. on June 2.
(Zac Bears/AFSCME Council 93)

AFSCME members go above and beyond to help their community every day, and members like Samuel Mutungi show the important role public service workers play in their community.

"I encourage every corrections officer to participate every year," Mutungi said.