$1,800 Raised At Rohnert Park Tip-A-Cop Event

From Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety: Last night, officers from the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety along with the California Highway Patrol participated in Tip a Cop at Chili’s to raise funds for Special Olympics. Together the community raised $1800 dollars which will go towards the participation of Special Olympic athletes at the Summer Games in Davis. Each year, agencies across the bay participate in several key fundraisers to raise awareness as well as money for the Special Olympics.

The Department of Public Safety was awarded “Top Fund Raiser” in 2016 for the Bike the Bridges event and Director Brian Masterson is a two time recipient of the prestigious “Award of Excellence” for his 20 plus years of Special Olympics support. This year was a bit special for the Department of Public Safety as they were able to swear in an honorary Public Safety Officer for the night. Trevor, a local boy, who is well known for his previous participation in the Special Olympics as well as current duties on the Rancho Cotate High School football team was sworn in as an Honorary Public Safety Officer.

Trevor had told officers in the month prior he could never be a “Cop” because he has Down Syndrome. Staff got a uniform together, ordered him a name tag and badge, and the official swearing in took place. With his family by his side, he raised his right hand, took the oath and then was ceremoniously pinned by his mother. As with all swearing in ceremonies, Trevor had to sign his oath and then was given a certificate. The first thing he wanted to do was pull his mom over for speeding down their street… A group of officers will be doing a bike ride to support Special Olympics this weekend in Martinez. The department will also participate in the Torch Run on June 13th.

A group will receive the torch from Santa Rosa Police at Bear Republic and run to Applebee’s in Petaluma. Again, the department would like to thank the community for their never ending generosity and support of Special Olympics.

“I, Trevor, swear to do what is right for my family, and my community. I will use good judgement before making decisions and make sure it is good for all concerned. I will Never Give Up and try my best at whatever I do. I recognize my job as a Public Safety Officer is to serve others. I represent all officers across the nation and will serve humbly.”

Photo courtesy Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety