This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

08/19/2016 10:32 AM

Branford Police Fundraising Milestone


(l-r) On behalf of Branford Police, Officer Josef Herten (left) and Sergeant Stanley Konesky III (right) are congratulated by Todd Pelezza of Special Olympics CT (center) for the police department's fundraising success on behalf of Special Olympics CT.Photo with Permission from Branford Police
Among Top Three Departments Statewide Supporting CT Special Olympics

August 18, 2016:  The Branford Police Department has supported Special Olympics Connecticut (SOC) for over 25 years and has recently achieved a milestone that was no easy feat for a department of its size.

With only 50 sworn Officers, the Branford Police Department was able to raise the third highest amount of donations among law enforcement agencies in the State, falling short to Bridgeport and South Windsor Police Departments only.

Since 2006, Branford's fundraising totals have steadily increased each year and have landed in the top ten for fundraising six times. Over this 10-year span, the Branford Police Department has raised over $112,000, with their highest total being $25,499 in 2015.

At the heart of their fundraising success remains their most consistent event, Tip-A-Cop.  This past June marked the department's  25th Annual Tip-A-Cop at Lenny's Indian Head Inn, making it the longest running Tip-A-Cop in the state.  While celebrating the 25th Anniversary, Branford Police officers were able to raise over $12,000 serving lunch and dinner to generous and hungry supporters.

Complimenting their annual Tip-A-Cop, Branford Police officers participate in the sales of Adopt-A-Miles to local businesses in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run; host a family-friendly Dunk-A-Cop event and a Crossfit Fitness Competition. Each of these overwhelmingly successful events yield generous donations from members of the community, local businesses and event sponsorships.

Although all of the officers within the department deserve credit for their hard work, support, and dedication to the Law Enforcement Torch Run and SOC; Officer Josef Herten and Sergeant Stanley Konesky III have supplied the steadfast leadership and innovative ideas that have driven the department's fundraising success.

As their 2016 fundraising campaign comes to a close, Officer Herten and Sergeant Konesky want to thank all of the dedicated supporters who selflessly attended and contributed to SOC fundraising events. Both expressed their confidence that with the continued support from the community the Branford Police Department will continue to be one of the top fundraising departments for SOC for years to come.

More Special Olympic information can be located on the Branford Police Department website here