Tip a Cop Set for February 14

Officer David Reid, Granada Chief, David Dougherty and Lamar Interim Chief Kyle Miller

Several law enforcement officers from various departments in Prowers County will swap handcuffs for coffee cups for Valentine’s Day at the Hickory House, North Main in Lamar.  ‘Tip A Cop’ has been a successful fundraiser for Domestic Safety Resource Center says Julie Jones of DSRC, and although it hasn’t been observed for some time, the fun event will be brought back at the popular restaurant from 7am until closing on February 14.

“The officers won’t really act as an actual waitress, as we don’t want to interfere with their tips, but they will help seat customers and greet them at the door, and perhaps serve some coffee or drinks through the day,” she explained.  Jones said officers will work in two hour shifts and patrons are welcome to include them in extra tips to benefit the Center.

Past ‘Tip A Cop’ functions and other fundraisers such as the Fantasy Tree Event in November have helped raise funds for the Safe House, but Jones said the house hasn’t been used very much in the past, so the Center is planning to use their funds in other areas.  “We haven’t really seen much use of the house in the past several years,” she explained, adding that the Center makes use of area motels when a family needs to move away from a domestic violence situation.  “We have seen our overhead costs increase for utilities and general maintenance over the years, especially when the house isn’t used all that much now.  We also had to have someone on hand whenever it was used and sometimes that put a strain on our staffing abilities,” she added.

By Russ Baldwin