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2018-09-14
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John Follaco
University Police Gives Back Through “Cops on Top”
Brockport law enforcement teams up to support New York State Special Olympics.
Drivers on Route 19 on the morning of September 14 must have had to do a double take. Shadowy figures in uniforms were on the roof of Dunkin Donuts, sipping iced coffees. They were there for more than a caffeine jolt, however — and it wasn’t to spook the drivers.
SUNY Brockport’s University Police Department teamed with the Brockport Police Department and Dunkin Donuts as part of a national initiative called “Cops on Top” that raises money for Special Olympics. Officers on the ground collected donations from customers while the officers on the roof drew attention from the road. Any donation earned a free donut, and a $20 donation resulted in a free T-shirt.
“Part of our primary goal is to do as much community policing as we can, whether it’s on campus or an opportunity like this to engage with the community,” said University Police Officer Dennis Schultz, one of the organizers of the event. “Everyone has been very enthusiastic and the turnout has been great. The line has been out of the parking lot and down the street.”
There were 23 other events of its kind happening around Monroe County.
“The money helps support our athletes’ training, uniforms, equipment, and traveling,” said Betsy Mihm, program director for the Special Olympics of New York. “From our area alone we send about 150 athletes to the summer and winter games.”
It was the first time Brockport has participated in the event, but Schultz and co-organizer Officer Anthony Catalfamo hope it won’t be the last.
