Crime & Safety

Photo Gallery: Cops, Doughnuts and a Good Cause

The Palos Heights Police Department joined forces with police all over Illinois to raise money for the Special Olympics Friday.

If you drove past the on Harlem Avenue Friday morning you may have noticed a strange site: police officers on the roof.

The Palos Heights Police Department teamed up with hundreds of other departments around Illinois to raise money for the Special Olympics Illinois. Last year about $207,000 was raised statewide.

"It's a very worthwhile cause, and it is important for us to get involved and to help out these families," said Officer George Drikos, from atop the roof.

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The officers collected money on the street and took donations at the drive thru and inside Dunkin Donuts from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Officer John Nix of the Palos Park Police Department has attended the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics in Normal, and was struck by the emotions of the event.

Find out what's happening in Paloswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It is really amazing to see," Nix said. "All the officers stand in uniform as other run the torch into the stadium."

Both Nix and Drikos said their departments hope to continue to support Special Olympics events.


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