Another way to serve

If he had to make a choice between chasing bad buys or waiting tables, Monroe Police Sgt. Ryan Irving would choose bad guys every time. But when it comes to taking orders, serving food and pouring beverages, he can definitely hold his own.

Irving, along with eight of his comrades, donned tuxedos and served customers for more than four hours last week, during the Monroe Police Department’s annual Tip-a-Cop fundraiser for Special Olympics Washington.

Hosted by Adam’s Northwest Bistro & Brewery owner Chef Adam Hoffman, the event took place 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 7. Sergeants, officers and administrative staff raised a total of $2,762 that will directly benefit Special Olympics athletes in Snohomish County.

“It was a great night,” said Sgt. Cindy Chessie. “The staff was awesome and Adam was awesome. It was wonderful for our group to all work together and do something that was just so different than what we normally do.”

The Monroe Police Department has a long history of raising money for Special Olympics, which is the largest sports organization for kids and adults with cognitive disabilities in the world. The department’s first torch run was held in 1994, during which officers ran from Sultan to Monroe to raise awareness and money for the cause. The first Tip-a-Cop event took place the following year. 

In 1996, former police chief Colleen Wilson helped take the department’s fundraising efforts to the next level in a rather unexpected way; she offered to jump out of an airplane if they managed to meet their goal of $10,000.

“That’s really all we needed,” said Sgt. Brian Johnston.

“That was a big deal because she was deathly afraid of heights,” Chessie added. “Colleen did not think that we would do it and we did.”

Wilson’s skydiving debut took place in October 1996.

Over the years, they’ve participated in a variety of different fundraising events including torch runs, Tip-a-Cop events and Spin-a-Thons, during which officers pledge to ride stationary bikes for a period of time lasting up to 12 hours. Their efforts have made a lasting impact on the Special Olympics community, generating more than $125,000 over the years.   

Special Olympics is a cause that is particularly near and dear to the hearts of Chessie and Johnston, as both have had the unique honor of participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run during two separate Summer Special Olympic World Games events. World Games are held every four years in different locales around the globe, and the torch run is an integral part of the event.

An international team is assembled, made up of law enforcement officers from around the world, a handful of Special Olympics athletes and support staff. The process is competitive, as only one law enforcement officer from each state is selected for the honor.

Selected in 2007, Chessie spent 21 days in China, carrying the “Flame of Hope” all over the country. Her team began in Beijing and then broke into smaller groups to spread their message even farther. The team’s final destination was Shanghai, where the opening ceremonies for the games took place.

“It was so cool,” Chessie said. “I don’t know what I’m ever going to do to top that — it was just so memorable for me.”

Johnston’s Special Olympics torch run experience took place June 2011 in Greece.

“Five years ago today, that’s where I was,” Johnston said. “It really, really is a life-changing experience.”

Johnston’s team began in Athens, broke into smaller groups like Chessie’s team, and journeyed northeast all the way to Istanbul, Turkey. They came back together in Athens for the opening ceremonies. He and Chessie both had the opportunity to speak during their respective torch runs.   

“You take the opportunity not just to carry the flame, but you have this phenomenal opportunity to speak to the public about the Special Olympics movement,” Johnston said.

In addition to providing top-notch competitive sports events for its athletes, Special Olympics is the largest provider of health care for people with intellectual disabilities. Through its Healthy Athletes initiative, it provides health screening in podiatry, dentistry, vision, hearing and more. 

Through their involvement with Special Olympics, Chessie, Johnston and the other officers have forged long-term relationships with those their efforts have benefitted, including Sultan resident and longtime Special Olympics athlete Ronnie Davenport. Born in Idaho, Davenport moved to Index more than 22 years ago, living there briefly before settling in Sultan.

He first began participating in Special Olympics in 1984, competing in events like swimming and track and field. Over the years he has won medals in swimming, relay, basketball, bowling and others. He was recognized by the Sultan City Council in 2014, for winning gold medals in the breaststroke, back stroke and relay during the 2014 Summer Games.

He has run with Monroe police officers during various different torch runs over the years, all to raise awareness and help support Special Olympics. 

Davenport was an honored guest during last week’s Tip-a-Cop, where he spoke excitedly about his upcoming retirement from Fred Meyer, his place of employment for the past 21 years. His last day of work was Thursday, June 9, so members of the Monroe Police Department visited the store to present him with a Chief’s Coin, in honor of his contributions to Special Olympics.

Johnston said they look forward to revamping their Special Olympics fundraising efforts. In addition to another Tip-a-Cop event held at the Monroe Red Robin later this year, Officer Derrick Lether is coordinating a new “wings and wheels” event that will take place in September at Firstair Field, Monroe’s airport next to the fairgrounds.

Johnston and Chessie gave a heartfelt thanks to Hill Street Cleaners owner Eldon Bartelheimer for providing the officers with their Tip-a-Cop apparel, and Hoffman for hosting, his chefs for preparing the food and his staff for helping them with the event. It is their generosity and that of the community that made the event so successful, Johnston said. 

Johnston acknowledged all the sergeants, officers and staff who gave up their night off to participate, including Macy Haverly, Sgt. Rick Dunn, Sgt. Irving, Sgt. Paul Ryan, Lether, Officer Shaun Van Eaton and Gaby Escalante.

“Those guys were so amazing that night and outside of their comfort zone,” Johnston said.

To stay up to date with the Monroe Police Department, visit www.facebook.com/MonroeWAPolice.