Ocean View Police officer garners statewide award

Cpl. Brian Caselli of the Ocean View Police Department still remembers the first time he volunteered at a Special Olympics event nearly a decade ago.

“It was at the Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games in 2014, shortly after I graduated from the Delaware State Police Academy,” Caselli said. “I remember being at the University of Delaware for the opening ceremony as part of the Torch Run and then being able to put medals on the athletes after their competitions. Seeing the pure joy it brought the athletes was an amazing feeling. I knew that Special Olympics would be something I would want to get more involved with.”

Because of Caselli’s overzealous attitude to volunteer in as many ways as he can, the Law Enforcement for Special Olympics Delaware organization has chosen him as the recipient of the prestigious Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year Award.

Caselli, who resides in Dagsboro, continues to present medals at competitions and is the Torch Run agency representative for the Ocean View Police Department. Last year, he spearheaded the inaugural coastal leg of the Torch Run from Fenwick Island to Rehoboth Beach, which was a huge success.

Caselli has also volunteered in various roles at fundraising events like the Truck Convoy and the Polar Bear Plunge, and he raises money himself by participating in the Ride to the Tide and selling ads for the organization’s yearbook ads solicitation campaign.

Because of his obvious commitment to the cause and the many talents he displayed in a variety of areas, Caselli was invited to join the Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council.

“Brian is quiet, but a hard worker and truly committed to the cause,” said Lisa Smith, Special Olympics Delaware senior director of marketing and development. “We are lucky to have him and appreciate what he does as well as the support he receives from his Chief Ken McLaughlin.”

Caselli now leads all of the Ocean View PD’s Special Olympics initiatives, and McLaughlin was quick to agree that Caselli is a deserving recipient of the annual award.

“Brian is a compassionate person,” McLaughlin said. “When he sees someone needing help, he is willing to take action. His experience with Special Olympics early in his law enforcement career was impactful, leaving him with a strong desire to do more. Brian is a true guardian of the flame.”

“What has kept me involved is seeing the joy of the athletes,” Caselli said. “Seeing how much our presence means to them, it touches you. It makes all of the work worth it. It motivates me to continue to be involved and to go further. To see their determination and effort in the competitions, the joy of receiving even a participation award, it's so pure. To know that I help to create those moments, it's an amazing feeling.”

Caselli said he’s gained an appreciation for how and why the athletes are so inspirational.

“I've learned that this program has given these athletes the confidence to be their very best, both as an athlete and as a person,” he said. “Being involved and being accepted for who they are makes them the best version of themselves. That is a lesson we can all learn from Special Olympics.”

Caselli has successfully encouraged co-workers and friends to participate in different ways, hoping they too will see the difference they can make, and he is constantly trying to figure out how he can give more.

“I want to expand my involvement with SODE by becoming a coach for bowling or bocce,” he said. “I also want to expand my involvement by helping out with more of the various fundraisers we have, as well as move around within the council to help run different events.”

For now, he will bask in the opportunity to carry the Flame of Hope with the athlete of the year into the summer games opening ceremony, an honor bestowed on the award recipient.

“I remember a feeling of awe when I first entered the opening ceremony in 2014 as one of the many assisting officers,” Caselli said. “So to be the person selected to carry the torch in, I can only imagine how I will feel that day. It is an amazing honor, and I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given with Special Olympics.”

Caselli was honored  May 2 at the monthly Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police meeting.