Carrying the Flame, Changing Lives

As Brian Levesque Begins His Next Chapter, SONH Celebrates More Than Two Decades of Service, Leadership, and Friendship.

October 9, 2026

For more than two decades, Brian Levesque has been a familiar face at Special Olympics New Hampshire events. Whether carrying the Flame of Hope during the Law Enforcement Torch Run, taking part in the Law Enforcement Dip, fundraising for athletes, volunteering behind the scenes or providing leadership to New Hampshire’s Law Enforcement Torch Run program, Brian has spent years helping create opportunities for athletes to succeed, compete and thrive.

Now, as he retires from the Merrimack Police Department and prepares for his next chapter in Maine, the Special Olympics New Hampshire community is taking a moment to reflect on the impact he has made along the way.

While Brian’s accomplishments are many, those who know him best say what stands out most isn’t a title or a milestone. It’s the way he consistently showed up.

“Brian is one of those people who just shows up and is willing to help,” said longtime Special Olympics New Hampshire volunteer Liz Sullivan. “It doesn’t really matter if something is his job, his station, or even what he came there to do. If someone needs a hand, he’s there.”

Over the years, Brian has become known throughout the SONH community for his positivity, dependability and commitment to athletes. Whether facing freezing temperatures at a winter event or long days in the summer heat, he could always be counted on to lend a hand and encourage those around him.

Deputy Sheriff Paul Montray of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has known Brian for more than 20 years through their shared involvement with Special Olympics New Hampshire and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. No matter the event, Paul remembers Brian being there.

“Whether it was the Torch Run, Dip, Summer Games, Winter Games or any other event for Special Olympics, he was always there,” Paul said. “As the Torch Run Director, he was always trying to get more and more agencies involved and participate in one or more events.”

It is a commitment that has not only supported SONH athletes, but inspired others in law enforcement to become more deeply involved.

Officer Haylie Gulino of the Bedford Police Department credits Brian as one of the reasons she became so engaged with Special Olympics New Hampshire and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

“His commitment and dedication to the athletes has been truly inspirational and was one of the many reasons I had a desire to become so involved,” Haylie said. “Brian has been a role model with his involvement to other officers both past and present and continues to help us inspire the younger generation to get involved in SONH.”

Fellow Torch Run Council member Chris Parsons echoed that impact, pointing to Brian’s willingness to lead not just through words, but by example.

“I have always appreciated Brian’s willingness to step up, support others, and lead by example,” Chris said. “Whether participating in fundraising events, supporting competitions, or encouraging fellow officers to get involved, he consistently demonstrated the spirit of service that makes the Torch Run so successful.”

At the center of all of that service have always been the athletes.

For SONH athlete Zoya Tavallai, Brian isn’t simply a familiar face from events. He’s someone with whom she has shared years of memories.

Zoya remembers being part of the Law Enforcement Dip alongside Brian and other members of the Merrimack Police Department and having “so much fun” being part of the team with him. She also remembers seeing Brian at SONH events, where he would help present awards to athletes.

Just before Brian’s retirement, Zoya stopped by the Merrimack Police Department to thank him and wish him well. During their emotional goodbye, Brian told her how much he would miss the athletes, a sentiment that meant a great deal to Zoya after all the years they had spent together at SONH events.

It’s a small moment compared with decades of Torch Runs, Dips, competitions and fundraising events, but perhaps one that says just as much about Brian’s impact.

The relationships built along the way are an important part of the legacy he leaves in New Hampshire.

“His love and support for our athletes has changed their lives,” Haylie said.

For Liz, SONH also provided the opportunity for a volunteer connection to grow into a friendship.

“I’m really grateful that volunteering with Special Olympics gave me the opportunity to meet Brian and, over the years, become friends with him and his family,” she said. “He’s someone I always look forward to seeing at events, and he’ll certainly be missed, but I’ll do my best to carry on his optimistic attitude and his big smile.”

That influence will continue within the law enforcement community as well.

“Brian is going to be deeply missed,” Paul said. “Such a great person and true professional. I wish Brian the best as he moves forward to a new chapter. I will miss Brian and miss the Special Olympics events we participated in together.”

Chris shared a similar sentiment.

“As Brian begins this next chapter, I want to thank him for his friendship, dedication, and the positive influence he has had on our movement,” he said. “I wish him all the best in retirement and know his impact will continue to be felt for years to come.”

As Brian begins his next chapter, the Special Olympics New Hampshire family extends its sincere gratitude for the countless hours, unwavering support and genuine care he has given to athletes and the movement over the years.

Through his involvement, Brian encouraged fellow officers to get involved, supported competitions and fundraising efforts, forged lasting friendships and, time and again, showed up for athletes.

Brian may be heading north, but the example he set will remain with the athletes, volunteers, law enforcement officers and friends who shared these experiences with him.

Thank you, Brian, for showing up. For lending a hand. For leading by example. For cheering on our athletes. And for giving so much of yourself to Special Olympics New Hampshire.

We wish you all the best in the adventures ahead.