Damariscotta Police officers came to Dunkin’ Donuts in force the morning of May 26, but they weren’t investigating a crime or enjoying a mid-shift snack.
Instead, the officers were participating in a “tip-a-cop” event to raise money for Special Olympics Maine.
Police Chief Chad Andrews and patrol officers Richard Alexander, John Mitkus, Devin Polizzotti and Jason Warlick filled donut orders, made coffee, manned the drive-thru window and talked with customers from 7-10 a.m. as tips piled up in a donut box alongside the cash register.
Alexander, a longtime Special Olympics Maine volunteer, said law enforcement agencies across Maine are trying to reach their goal of raising $250,000 for the organization this year.
The state summer games will take place June 8-10 in Orono.
The Special Olympics Maine Law Enforcement Torch Run will precede the summer games. Damariscotta officers will run the torch from the Damariscotta-Nobleboro town line south along Main Street to the Newcastle line, where they will pass the torch to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
The police expressed thanks to franchise manager Dale Neptune and owner Dave Derosa for their cooperation.