A law enforcement officer over a loudspeaker is not a sound most people want to hear.
A law enforcement officer over a loudspeaker is not a sound most people want to hear.
It was welcome on Thursday as the Cop on Top fundraiser for Special Olympics began.
“Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports…,” the state organization says on its website.
Officers climbed on top of a 14-feet tall scaffolds by Walmart’s front door, calling out to the crowd as athletes and volunteers collected money.
The event started off quietly while there was a rattle and clicking on the scaffolding. Then the speakers kicked into life, carrying the message across the parking lot. From there, an officer encouraged donations to the program and called out encouragement to people visiting.
The collecting operation was primarily done by the athletes, supported by officers and family.
The teams relied on hand-held umbrellas to cut down the discomfort from weather that pressed against 90 degrees.
One pair was powerlifter and bowler Brandon LaCuesta and his hanai father, David Cobb.
Some families leaving from the store split out money to have their keiki donate money to all athletes present.
LaCuesta smiled and thanked the people who made donations, and talked with a man who volunteered at an earlier event.
The money raised helps LaCuesta and other athletes with uniforms, equipment, coach training, transportation and other expenses.
All the officers involved were coming on their off-time. Officer William Kafe Vickery has been involved for years, saying he devoted the time because of the importance of the organization. One of his early tasks was organizing the arrangement of supplies and situation of people.
Many of the officers involved on Thursday were members of the community policing unit.
Officer Kuilee “Kali” Dela Cruz said working with the community and building relationships is a critical part of that mission.
He said that for the organization, the success of the athletes is a big component.
All the police mentioned Isaiah Wong, a powerlifter from Kailua-Kona, earned two gold and two silver medals in the World Games in Los Angeles.
The officers will be there from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The officers are committed to remaining on the platform until they raise at least $15,000.
“The average cost to serve one athlete is approximately $756 a year,” the state organization said.
The money raised at the West Hawaii Cop on Top program remains for the local organization.
Those who donate various levels at Walmart can recieve Special Olympics T-shirts.
People who want to sign up to volunteer or find out about a potential athlete at an information booth nearby. They can also contact Sharon Young at 756-2186.