Cops on Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops for Special Olympics fundraiser

WEST MILWAUKEE -- It's the running joke: cops and donuts go hand-in-hand.  On Friday, it was the real deal.

“Every cop likes a good donut and I'm an old cop, so I like a donut and cup of coffee,” said West Milwaukee Poilce Chief Dennis Nasci.

Instead of hanging out inside the donut shops, they were on the shops' rooftops to help the state’s Special Olympians.

“We're trying to attract attention,” said Nasci.

20 officers from West Milwaukee and West Allis "did their time" on the top of Dunkin’ Donuts on Miller Park Way Friday morning.  In fact, other departments, too, were on the rooftops of 15 stores across the state to bring awareness and raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin, supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities.

“Our primary responsibility is to try to help other people and this is just a way we can show a little bit more,” said Nasci.

In exchange for their spare change, those who donated received a voucher for a free cup of coffee and a t-shirt for bigger donations.

“I work for a non- profit.  I know that donations are very, very important and Special Olympics is actually a very unique program,” said Melissa Potter, who donated to the cause.

“It feels great, feels awesome,” said Special Olympics athlete Tyler Derringer.  He is just of the more than 10,000 Special Olympics athletes in the state.

“Fundraisers are so important because it helps us as athletes and coaches.  It helps us for our transportation needs to and from games,” he said.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run has supported Special Olympics for 40 years now, with fundraisers year-long.  While this may be the most cliché, the officers admit it's sure to grab the most attention.

“If it helps attract people because there’s a bunch of cops at a donut shop, then we're more than happy to be standing here,” said Nasci.

In the southeast Wisconsin locations, officers collected approximately $5,400 during Friday morning's event.  Dunkin' Donuts also donated $5,000 to the cause.

Each year, the Law Enforcement Torch Run raises a total of more than $1-million for the Special Olympics.