HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOUTH HILO PATROL
SERGEANT DARREN HORIO
PHONE: 961-2214
SEPTEMBER 15, 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

Officers from the Hawaii Police Department raised $44,300 during the “2006 Cop on Top for Special Olympics” project.

Officers climbed atop Safeway stores in both Hilo and Kona at 6 a.m. Thursday, August 31, 2006, and stayed there around the clock until 2 p.m. September 2, 2006. Other officers and Special Olympics athletes collect donations at ground level.

This is the third year the Hawaii Police Department sponsored this event, which includes participation from law enforcement officers at the county, state and federal levels around the state. Statewide, law enforcement officers raised $240,000 for Special Olympics Hawaii.

East Hawaii officers of the Hawaii Police Department raised $18,300, while West Hawaii officers collected $26,000. That exceeds last year’s Big Island take by nearly $10,000. The funds will be used for Special Olympics in the districts in which they were collected.

“Cop on Top” is one of many activities that fall under the First Hawaiian Bank Law Enforcement Torch Run. Amanda Corby, spokeswoman for Special Olympics Hawaii, said First Hawaiian Bank officials arrived at their final tally Wednesday (September 13, 2006) when they confirmed donations from corporate sponsors.

The Special Olympics, modeled after the Olympic Games, provide a year-round program of training and competitive sports for physically or mentally challenged athletes.

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