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Most of the time, if you offer money to a cop you will probably find yourself being arrested. However last Friday, Saratoga Springs police were encouraging people to give money and thanking them when they did so.
From 5 to 9 p.m., police officers, explorers and Citizens Assisting Police (CAPs) were waiting tables, taking orders and serving drinks at Café El Lago on S.R. 73. The goal was to raise money for Special Olympics athletes in Utah County.
"It is a great opportunity to give service back to the community," said Saratoga Police Sergeant Eddie Christensen. He laughed and said that while the officers and volunteers were enthusiastic, he was just glad they hadn't spilled anything, "...yet..." he added quickly.
"The police department approached us a month or so ago and said they had done something similar in the past in other cities and would like to try it here," said Café El Lago owner Ryan Richins. "I thought it would benefit the Special Olympics and also gives the community a chance to bond with the police officers. I thought it would be a nice opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, get involved, and have some fun."
"Special Olympics has gone to law enforcement agencies all over Utah to help raise money," said Christensen. "One of the ways they can do that is Tip-A-Cop."
Special Olympics is an international organization created to help people with intellectual disabilities develop self-confidence, social skills and a sense of personal accomplishment. Special Olympics Utah was established in 1969, and now has more than 2,200 athletes participate in its annual events.
Police Explorer James Perry said, "It is a great opportunity to give service." He said many residents were familiar with the Explorers, a division of the Boy Scouts of America, and it was a good opportunity to educate individuals.
Looking around the crowded restaurant, Richins said, "It exceeded our expectations."
Dan Markham, a CAPs member, agreed.
"We have been very busy. I have a whole new respect for restaurant staff."
While some diners -- such as Kim Wright and her family -- came out especially for the event, others didn't know what was going on.
"We were just out running errands and wanted to get something to eat," said Janae Wahnschaffe. "It is really cute. It is great to see the human side of the cops. They pay great attention and are doing a great job."
Christensen said they had over a dozen officers, CAPs and explorers involved Friday.
After all was said and done, the officers and restaurant raised $1,200 for Special Olympics.
"It wasn't a bad night," said Richins.
Markham added, "We appreciate the restaurant for doing this tonight.
NEWS BRIEF
Open house -- UDOT and Geneva Rock invite the public to a Meet The Contractor Open House and a groundbreaking celebration on May 31 from noon to 2 p.m. at Lion's Park in Bluffdale, 14400 South. Join your neighbors in learning more about the S.R. 68 Design-Build project, meet the project team, and get your questions answered. Refreshments will be provided. For more information about the project, visit www.udot.utah.gov/sr-68south.
Fairfield hires town recorder -- At the May Fairfield Town Council meeting, council members approved hiring the first town employee, a Town Recorder.
Courtney Soffel has served as volunteer town recorder since the town's incorporation in December 2004. Soffel will continue her duties as town recorder with a salary of $500 per month.
Fairfield considers composting -- At the May Fairfield Town Council meeting, Thomas Holstrom and Reed Fisher representing Central Water Reclamation met with Fairfield leaders to discuss the possible use of two parcels of land for composting operations. Holstrom suggested a field trip for the town leaders to see the operation of similar facilities.
Memorial Day Concert -- On Monday, May 26, there will be a free family concert at Silver Lake Amphitheater starting at 7 p.m.¬
A group of BYU students known as Y Mountain Productions will perform a show called "Goody Two Shoes," featuring pop, rock, country, jazz, folk,¬ acoustic, and inspirational¬ music. Also appearing is Impact, an A cappella group.¬
The event kicks off Eagle Mountain City's observance of the week of May 26 as Military Appreciation Week in conjunction with National Military Appreciation Month in May.
Also as part of Military Appreciation Week and Pony Express Days, "Home for a Hero" will have its key ceremony for the Gordon Ewell family on May 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. when the family will be given the keys to their new home at the Lone Tree Subdivision. There will be food and entertainment provided. |
