Area law enforcement officers are preparing for a unique annual challenge that benefits a good cause.
Tip a Cop events are scheduled for Dec. 6 at Casa Del Rey in Grantsville and Dec. 8 at Jim’s Restaurant in Tooele, with both events running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The events are the primary fundraiser for the Shop with a Cop program, which pairs officers with families in need to buy essentials and presents during the holidays.
During Tip a Cop, officers are paired with a server at the restaurant and take orders, bring drinks and bus tables throughout the night, according to Tooele City Cpl. Tanya Turnbow. At the end of the night, all of the tips from the dinner service are donated to the Shop with a Cop program.
Turnbow said a lot of the officers don’t have experience working in food service and the evening can be a whirlwind just getting drinks and dishes.
“It’s the fastest four hours that we spend in our career, I think,” she said.
This is the first year Jim’s Restaurant is hosting Tip a Cop, which was previously held at Applebee’s in Tooele. Turnbow said a number of local restaurants expressed interest in supporting the Tip a Cop event this year.
Officers from the Tooele City, Grantsville City, Dugway and Stockton police departments, Tooele County Sheriff’s Office, Utah Highway Patrol and Adult Probation and Parole will all participate at the Tip a Cop events. Participation is limited by the space and number of servers, Turnbow said.
“It’s a fun night and it’s all about our county,” she said.
The Shop with a Cop program will hold its annual event on Dec. 17, where families will be paired with a local law enforcement officer during breakfast at the Country Pride restaurant in Lake Point and a visit from Santa. From there, a convoy of police vehicles will make its way to Walmart in Tooele where gifts are purchased and wrapped for the holiday.
The deadline for applications to benefit from the program is Nov. 30. Notification of program recipients will begin next week, according to Turnbow.
Donations to the program are accepted until the week of Dec. 12. Checks should be made payable to “Shop with a Cop” and cash donations are also being accepted at Tooele City and Grantsville City police departments.