Putting the ‘serve’ in protect and serve

For the second year in a row, Coeur d’ Alene Police teamed up with the Texas Roadhouse in support of the Idaho Special Olympics.

In 2010 the Special Olympics coordinators contacted Dan Davis, owner of Coeur d’ Alene’s Texas Roadhouse, about coming together to help raise funds for an event in need of some community help.

Davis, seeking to supply the need, jumped at the chance.

“I want to do anything I can to support this event, it’s important to our community. I just want to help” said Davis.

Last Year’s Cop-On-Top event in which an ISP Sergeant stood on top of the Roadhouse building, waving people in to make a donation, raised over $10,000.

“It was so successful they decided to do it again” said Davis

This year was different. Nope, no cop on the roof. Instead, a more personal touch was added to the festivities.

Athletes and officers approached tables of patrons together and explained their hopes for the event.

They educated patrons on the importance of the Special Olympics to this area, and left an envelope donating as much or as little as they would like.

Five POST academy students from NIC gladly took part in the event.

“It’s really nice to just help out, we want to raise as much money as possible for this event” said Eric Bailey, POST Academy student at NIC.

“This event helps the athletes strive to achieve their goals in life” said Kirk Grogan, athlete with the special Olympics. “And it helps open up relationships with the community.”