Branford Police Hit Milestone in Raising Money for Special Olympics Connecticut

BRANFORD, CT — The Branford Police Department has supported Special Olympics Connecticut (SOC) for over twenty five years and has recently achieved a milestone that was no easy feat for a department of its size.

With only 50 sworn Officers, the Branford Police Department was able to raise the third highest amount of donations among law enforcement agencies in the State, falling short to Bridgeport and South Windsor Police Departments only.

Since 2006, Branford's fundraising totals have steadily increased each year and have landed in the Top Ten for fundraising six times. Over this ten year span, the Branford Police Department has raised over $112,000, with their highest total being $25,499 in 2015.

At the heart of their fundraising success remains their most consistent event, Tip-A-Cop. This past June marked the Department’s 25th Annual Tip-A-Cop at Lenny's Indian Head Inn, making it the longest running Tip-A-Cop in the State. While celebrating the 25th Anniversary, Branford Police Officers were able to raise over $12,000 serving lunch and dinner to generous and hungry supporters.

Complementing their annual Tip-A-Cop, Branford Officers participate in the sales of Adopt-A-Miles to local businesses in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, host a family friendly Dunk-A-Cop event, and a Crossfit Fitness Competition. Each of these overwhelming successful events yield generous donations from members of the community, local businesses and event sponsorships.

Although all of the Officers within the Department deserve credit for their hard work, support, and dedication to the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Connecticut, Officer Josef Herten and Sergeant Stanley Konesky III have supplied the steadfast leadership and innovative ideas that have driven the Department’s fundraising success.

As their 2016 fundraising campaign comes to a close, Officer Herten and Sergeant Konesky want to thank all of the dedicated supporters who selflessly attended and contributed to SOC fundraising events. Both expressed their confidence that with the continued support from the community the Branford Police

Department will continue to be one of the top fundraising departments for Connecticut Special Olympics for years to come.

More Special Olympic information can be located on the Department’s website at www.branfordpolice.com
Photo information: Officer Herten, Todd Pelazza-SOC, Sgt. Konesky