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Police serve up... lots of goodies

Even though they were wearing their regular uniforms, area law enforcement officers had a different job Saturday and Sunday morning, bussing and serving tables at Cora’s Restaurant in Red Deer.
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RCMP Const. Jeff Hewitt gets an order from a table at Cora’s restaurant in Red Deer Saturday. Hewitt and several other local law enforcement members worked at the restaurant over the weekend as part of Cops and Crepes

Even though they were wearing their regular uniforms, area law enforcement officers had a different job Saturday and Sunday morning, bussing and serving tables at Cora’s Restaurant in Red Deer.

The second year of Cops and Crepes for Special Olympics Alberta saw a handful of RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs, Red Deer Peace Officers and Lacombe Police Service members waiting tables.

For Lacombe Police Const. Rachael Gabrielson it was a chance to brush up on her serving skills, as that was her job prior to becoming a police officer.

“We’re pretending to be servers,” said Gabrielson.

“We’re attempting, very hard, the Cora’s staff tells us what to do and we follow their lead.”

Last year Central Alberta law enforcement agencies raised $3,600 for Alberta Speical Olympics and they hope to raise more this year.

“We only did one day last year, so this time we’re going to do two days,” said Gabrielson. “Hopefully we’re going to double that.”

Being a server for a weekend Gabrielson said she gets to interact with people in a positive way.

“These athletes work very hard, they’re doing two or three events and I thought it was something I really wanted to get involved in,” said Gabrielson.

Alberta law enforcement torch run members are active in the community raising funds for the Special Olympics in different ways.

“A lot of the customers said they wish we were here more often,” said RCMP Const. Jeff Hewitt.

“I don’t know if its our service or what, but they have been really supportive and the tips have been rolling in.”

Michael Dartnell, Red Deer Special Olympics Coach, was grateful for the support from the participating law enforcement agencies.

“It gives us opportunities to run local athletic programs for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities,” said Dartnell.

Some of sports offered in Red Deer include softball, floor hockey, track and field and bowling.

“The donations have been incredible,” said Dartnell.

“The people of Red Deer are very generous when it comes to supporting their community.”

mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com