Officers slinging food, drinks this weekend

While police officers are used to “serving and protecting,” this Saturday a few of Port Orchard’s finest will be focusing solely on the serving part.

Sgt. Jason Glantz of the Port Orchard Police Department said Saturday’s lunch and dinner services at Amy’s on the Bay will feature several of his fellow officers as “celebrity waiters” at the downtown eatery.

While serving alongside the professional waiters, Glantz said the officers will be collecting money for Special Olympics of Washington.

Known as “Tip-A-Cop,” Glantz said the event is “a no risk, easy and fun way to raise money for Special Olympics athletes in your community.”

The donations are collected in specially-marked envelopes that are placed on each table at the beginning of each meal. While the officers work keeping glasses filled with iced tea and other light duties, patrons can donate money to the cause by putting a “tip” in the envelope that the officers collect separate from the meal check.

Last year, POPD Chief Al Townsend said his department collected more than $1,700.

“I wouldn’t have guessed that we would have collected that much,” Townsend said. “But I think that’s excellent.”

Glantz said Tip-A-Cop is an official Law Enforcement Torch Run(LETR) Campaign event, and also “generates tremendous community goodwill and public awareness” for both local law enforcement and Special Olympics.

“Our local law enforcement is very supportive of us,” said Kathy Zimmer, an assistant coach with Special Olympics teams in Port Orchard, explaining that events like Tip-A-Cop and a laser tag fundraiser held recently help the organization provide teams and equipment to local athletes free of charge.

According to Special Olympics, the organization strives to provide year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

By participating in sports, physical fitness and healthcare education programs, the organization believes its athletes will “increase self-confidence and social skills, improve physical and motor skills, and have better success in leading more productive and independent lives.”

Amy’s on the Bay co-owner Amy Igloi said she was happy to offer her restaurant for the fundraiser, and explained that the officers have been choosing her busiest days for the fundraisers.

This year, the event begins at noon and continues until 10 p.m.

Another change this year is the POPD will be joined by members of the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.

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