‘Cops on the Rooftop’ supports Special Olympics

Patrons of the Hawthorn Hills Shopping Center will be greeted by Vernon Hills police officers sitting on the roof of Dunkin’ Donuts, 700 N. Milwaukee Ave., from 5 to 9 a.m. on Friday, May 31, to raise money and awareness for the Special Olympics of Illinois.

Those donating money for the cause will receive a coupon for a free doughnut or coffee.

This is the sixth year for the “Cops on the Rooftop” event in Vernon Hills, which raised more than $5,776 in the last five years. It is also the second out of three main efforts by the department to raise money for the cause. This past Feb. 25, five police officers, one telecommunicator and two family members jumped into the icy cold waters of the Fox Lake as part of the Polar Plunge. More than $2,344 in donations were collected for that event. The third event takes place on June 9 when officers will collect pledges to run a three-mile leg through Vernon Hills in the Torch Run for the Special Olympics.

“The Special Olympics have become the ‘adopted charity’ of police departments throughout Illinois,” stated Chief Mark Fleischhauer. “We pride ourselves in doing everything we can to support the cause and to increase our fundraising efforts each year as well.”

For further information on any of the Special Olympics events, call Sgt. Jim Levicki at (847) 362-4449.