FPD raises $4,000 for Special Olympics

By Anthony F. Irwin

Fullerton Police officers served dinner, drinks and dessert to hundreds of Heroes Bar & Grill customers last week, raising about $4,000 for the Special Olympics of Orange County.IMG_7327

The amount was more than triple the $1,200 raised at last year’s Tip-A-Cop event.  Mulberry Street Ristorante and Florentines Bar and Grill donated $300 and $200, respectively.

IMG_7331

About 12 police officers participated, including Chief Dan Hughes. One of the most popular participants was Mueller, a German shepherd.  He made his rounds throughout the restaurant, at one point donning the flashing red sunglasses, which were being sold at tables. Also popular was tartan-clad bag-piper, Officer Kyle Baas, who played a rendition of Amazing Grace for restaurant patrons, who responded with resounding applause.

David Dial, bar manager, said: “We have always had a great working relationship with Fullerton PD.  If we can work together to support such a great cause as the Special Olympics, we’re all for it.”

Added Capt. Lorraine Jones, “It’s always fun to open up and allow our residents to see us in a different light, outside our comfort zone.”

Chief Dan Hughes said events like this one help create bonds between police and residents.

“Interactions in a setting like this go a long way in showing the pride we have in our residents and why we work so hard to protect them,” he said.