Officers Dish It Out for Special Olympics

Some of LAPD’s finest came Tuesday to serve and clean up at an annual “Cops & Lobsters” benefit for the Special Olympics.

Working for tips, off-duty officers from West Valley, Devonshire, Foothill and Van Nuys police divisions served bread and beverages and bussed tables at Red Lobster on the first day of the two-day event.

Last year the Valley’s volunteers raised $14,000 for the cause. By the end of the lunch rush Tuesday, they had collected more than $2,500 toward their $25,000 goal. Red Lobster, which sponsors the event nationwide, got the giving going with a $1,000 contribution.

Sgt. Alan Sorkness, a 24-year LAPD veteran in charge of the West Valley Division’s bicycle detail, was participating for the third year.

“It’s a worthwhile cause, it’s fun, it doesn’t interfere with our work hours,” he said. “I just think it’s important to do good works.”

Bicycle detail member Tony Ljubetic from North Hollywood, a first-time volunteer, said the hardest part was not spilling. Ljubetic and partner Roy Brown of Palmdale referee for Antelope Valley Special Olympic events in their spare time.

“If it will help get funds and help support this team, we’re in it,” Brown said.

Mary Chally, 65, a retiree from Calabasas whose daughter and son-in-law are LAPD officers, came with friends Florence and Jerome Brundage to support the effort.

“It’s our way to say thank you to them,” she said.

Officers joined other servers clapping and singing to celebrate customer Laurie Merlin’s birthday. Nine co-workers from 20th Century Insurance in Woodland Hills surprised the Palmdale resident, and the jovial group left a hefty tip for the cause.

Tom Ward, an 18-year LAPD veteran, said he enjoyed his serving stint.

“Nothing was very hard about it,” he said. “It’s nice talking to people, and it’s for a good cause.”

Donations will still be accepted. For information, call Sgt. Dan Mastro, (818) 756-8385.