On Sept. 16, Branford Police raised a record-shattering $90,440 during its 30th Annual Tip-A Cop-Event at Lenny’s Indian Head Inn to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut. Funds raised at the event eclipsed the record set last year, when Branford Police raised just over $44,000 during its 2023 Tip-A-Cop event.

The Branford Police Department (BPD) also holds the distinction of being the state’s longest-running and consistently top-fundraising law enforcement agency for Tip-A-Cop. BPD’s Tip-A-Cop is held annually at Lenny’s, located at 205 South Montowese Street.

During the event, which has become a much-anticipated tradition, officers volunteer their time and team up with restaurant employees to welcome customers and take and serve their orders. All tips officers receive, as well as proceeds from silent auction items and other donations from the day, are dedicated to helping Special Olympics Connecticut provide life-changing sports, health and fitness programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and their teammates.

As a Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut event, Tip-A-Cop is one of many year-round law agency and department events and activities officers host and participate in across the state to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Connecticut.

At its Facebook page on Sept. 17, BPD posted the big news of pulling in over $90,000 in tips for Special Olympics Conneciticut at this year’s Tip-A-Cop event.

“We are beyond grateful for all of our generous sponsors and donations, the staff and owners of Lenny’s , everyone at Special Olympics CT, all the generous folks who came out yesterday to support, and all the men and women of the Branford Police Department,” BPD stated.

The department especially recognized the continued hard work of Branford Detective Josef Herten and Branford Police Officer Joseph Harrington for organizing the annual event.