THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 18, 1995 TAG: 9506160164
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Long : 103 lines
In spite of his desk job, Lt. John D. Howton, who commands the internal affairs unit of the Portsmouth Police Department, does a lot of running.
``I have to run,'' he said. ``I'm a football official, so I always have to be ready for football season.''
Recently, however, Howton was running for a different reason. . . to raise money for the Virginia Special Olympics.
Ten days ago, Howton participated in the Portsmouth leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, an 1,800-mile series of relay runs across Virginia.
Starting in mid-May, law enforcement officials and volunteers throughout the state ran through their own jurisdictions, passing a torch to runners in a neighboring city.
The run ended in Richmond, where the torch was used in the ceremony that opened the Special Olympics Summer Games.
``My legs are killing me,'' said Howton right after completing 7.5 miles of the 8.7-mile run through Portsmouth.
``The city is divided into half-mile legs, and you can run as far as you want,'' he said.
Howton took two short breaks because the 92-degree heat and the high humidity ``kind of'' got to him.
``I cheated this year,'' conceded Howton. ``The last three years, though, I ran the whole thing'' with no breaks.
A recreational vehicle followed the runners who intended to continue, but who needed to stop for fluids or to get out of the heat.
In addition, the Portsmouth Fire Department provided its own relief.
``They sent a brush truck like they use for fighting brush fires, and every so often they just cranked up the little sprayer, and they sprayed all the runners to cool them off,'' said Howton. ``It really cooled us off and kept us going. It really saved us.''
Recently, Howton was given a commendation for coordinating last year's regional Torch Run activities. He was directly responsible for raising more than $46,000 in donations from the region, which encompassed the Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads up to the Northern Neck.
This year, the city of Portsmouth alone raised at least $2,700 for the Virginia Special Olympics.
Howton has participated in the Torch Run for 10 of his 17 years with the Portsmouth Police Department.
Does it get easier as the years go by?
``No,'' said Howton, offering an explanation.
``We don't seem to be getting any younger!''
Name: John D. Howton
Nickname: ``J.D.''
Neighborhood: Merrifields
Number of years in Portsmouth: 41
Birthplace: San Diego, Calif.
Birthdate: June 26, 1953
Occupation: Police lieutenant; commander of police internal affairs unit
What other job than your own would you like? Chief of police of one of the departments on the Outer Banks of North Carolina
Marital status: Divorced
Children: Daughter, Vicki, 20
Grandchildren: Grandson, Christian
Fondest childhood memory: Visiting with family in North Carolina and Alabama
First concert: Three Dog Night, 1969, Norfolk Scope
What song or book title best describes your life? Song: ``Taking Care of Business,'' by Bachman Turner Overdrive
If you won the lottery, what's the very first thing you'd buy? Another lottery ticket
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? General District Court Judge, the Honorable Archie Elliott. For just one day, I would like to sit in his court and hand down justice with the wisdom and objectivity of Judge Elliott.
Biggest accomplishment: After months of hard work, to be able to make a contribution of more than $46,000 to Virginia Special Olympics
Most embarrassing moment: Drove a city truck with a large flashing arrow sign on it into the basement of police headquarters. No, the truck didn't fit into the basement.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would learn how to relax more.
Perfect way to spend the day: Hot sun, hot sand, cold beverages, fishing rods and beach chair somewhere (or anywhere) on the Outer Banks.
I can't resist: Good music and a grilled steak
Favorite Portsmouth restaurant: Mario's
Favorite Portsmouth hangout: Plaza Billiards
Biggest problem facing Portsmouth: Lack of industry and business, which has placed such a tax burden on homeowners in the city
If you had three wishes for Portsmouth, what would they be?
Increased tax base
Racial harmony
Improved street and highway systems
Other than its small-town atmosphere, what do you like about living in Portsmouth? The people. Portsmouth has inherited an undeserved, bad reputation. It makes me feel good to tell someone that I live in Portsmouth and I'm proud of my city. There really are some great people in our city, and I think that is one of the best-kept secrets in the Tidewater area. MEMO: Although the byline credit was not published, the reporter is Rebecca
Myers. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
John Howton
by CNB