Police to Be Waiters to Aid Special Olympics

Los Angeles Police Department officers from the West Valley Division will trade in their cop uniforms for waiters’ aprons Monday and Tuesday as part of a nationwide fund-raiser.

Since 1995, the LAPD has partnered with the Red Lobster restaurant chain in the Tip-a-Cop program, in which officers greet customers, fill water glasses and serve meals to raise money for the Special Olympics.

About 110 West Valley Division officers will donate their off-duty hours at the West Hills Red Lobster restaurant from 11 a.m. until closing at 10 p.m. during the two-day event.

“I was telling the people at my church, ‘This is your opportunity to order us around for a change,’ and people love ordering us around,” said Sgt. Dan Mastro, the event’s coordinator.

Law enforcement officers last year raised $750,000 nationally in tips and tax-deductible donations. Mastro said this year’s national goal is $1 million. The West Valley Division, which raised $5,700 last year in one day, has set a lofty goal for this year’s two-day event: $25,000, he said.

Kevin Bickert, general manager of Red Lobster in West Hills, said he anticipates a packed restaurant during the event, with the busiest hours from noon to 2 p.m. and again during dinner hours from 6 to 8 p.m.

“I think it’s a great program because it gives us the opportunity to come together as a community and support the Special Olympics,” Bickert said.

The West Hills Red Lobster is at 22800 Vanowen St. on the southwest corner at Fallbrook Avenue.

Diners will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.