Area departments take part in 'Cop on a Rooftop' to raise money for Special Olympics

Police officers from North suburban departments helped raise money for Special Olympics during the statewide "Cop on a Rooftop" event at area Dunkin' Donuts Friday.

"Cops love doughnuts and coffee, so why not celebrate it in a big way to bring notice and donations for the athletes of Special Olympics, to support them, show that we are here and stand behind them," said Amanda Jaegers, the Northbrook Police Department community engagement officer.

Jaegers said around 20 officers, including police Chief Christopher Kennedy, would be coming and going between 5 a.m. and noon at the Dunkin' Donuts at the intersection of Dundee and Pfingten roads. She said the goal for the day's fundraising was $3,000, and said they were halfway there at 9 a.m.

Those giving $20 donations received a Law Enforcement Torch Run T-shirt, a travel mug for a $10 donation, and a free classic doughnut coupon for a donation in any amount.

Jaegers said the community has been very supportive of the event.

"They love it. They've been all behind it," Jaegers said "We've had a lot of residents and out-of-towners that have come in, donated and shown their support."

Alex Paramo of Gurnee, who works at Avida Home Technology in Northbrook, made a donation when he just happened to stop for coffee.

"I'm glad the cops are here. It's good for the public, it's good for me," Paramo said.

Officers from the Glenview Police Department were soliciting donations at the Dunkin' Donuts at Lake and Milwaukee avenues. Detective James Cromley and Sgt. Carly Gaba obviously weren't afraid of heights as they had their feet dangling from the edge of the roof, while Sgt. Joel Detloff accepted donations on the ground.

"There's a reason why they're up there and I'm down here," Detloff said, while stressing the importance of raising money for the cause. "It's a great donation of our time," Detloff said. "As you can see, the public loves having us out here, too. We have great support from the community. It's a great event."

Detloff said Winnetka police officers accepted donations at Dunkin' Donuts located at Willow and Shermer roads, which is physically within Glenview even though it has a Northbrook address. He said Winnetka reached out to the Glenview P.D. and asked if they could use that location since they did not have a Dunkin' Donuts within their community.

"We said, 'absolutely, the more the merrier.' Any police and fire that doesn't have a Dunkin, we'd love to have them come to Glenview and show their support for Special Olympics," Detloff said.

In Deerfield, dispatcher Desirae Kuceva was busy accepting donations at a table set up outside the Dunkin' Donuts on Lake-Cook Road, just west of Waukegan Road. She had already "sold out" of extra-large T-shits, but Samantha Brooks of Highland Park and Joel Kogen of Deerfield, whose son is autistic, decided to get large shirts instead while picking up several items, including T-shirts and hats.

Kuceva said the Deerfield Police Department typically helps raise $5,000, and they expected to beat that total this year.

"We get a lot of repeat supporters, so people who have seen us out here every year keep coming back," Kuceva said. "We're very grateful for that."