THOMASTON — Law Enforcement, athletes and the team at Applebee’s in Thomaston are all gearing up for the annual “Tip-A-Cop” event to benefit and raise awareness for Special Olympics on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Justin Hills, of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and Troy Peasley, Rockland Ticket Officer, are leading the event this year along with a special hand from Larry Hesseltine, patrol officer with the Waldoboro Police Department.

Again this year, police officers and EMS first responders from departments in Knox County and Waldoboro will serve as “celebrity waiters” and collect tips from restaurant guests to donate back to Special Olympics Maine. Many local athletes will also be on hand at Applebee’s to cheer on their law enforcement friends, while they are busy waiting tables on their behalf.

Hills said that last year, they raised $3,150 in about two hours, which was state tip-a-cop record. Volunteers are aiming to raise $4,000 this year and hopefully set another state record.

“There’s something for everyone at this event,” said Hills. “Kids can get close-up views of an ambulance, firetruck, police cars, meet mascots Smokey the Bear, McGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky the Fire Dog, and families can have a break from cooking dinner that evening.”

Peasley is securing the raffle prizes for the event which last year included autographed sports items from David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox and Tom Brady, Patriots quarterback.  

And as Hills said last year, while sporting a big grin, “Who can miss an event where you get to tell the cops what to do?”

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com