UK Police to Trade in Handcuffs for Aprons

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 16, 2014) — Local law enforcement agencies, including officers from the University of Kentucky Police Department, will trade in their handcuffs and badges for aprons and wings this coming Wednesday (May 21) at the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant location at 3090 Old Todds Road in Lexington. The “Buffalo Wild Wings Cops Gone Wild for Special Olympics Kentucky” event will last for five hours, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the popular hangout.

UK Police and personnel from other police agencies will be collecting tips and helping  to serve restaurant guests, as well as participate in a “wing eating” contest.

In addition to UK, participating law enforcement agencies include the Lexington Police Department, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, LFUCG Community Corrections, Transylvania University Police Department, and ATFE personnel.

Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Kentucky, part of the world’s largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Participation in competitive events is open to all individuals eight years of age or older. Training and competition in local, area, state, and national programs is offered year-round in Kentucky in 16 sports. In addition to its traditional sports competitions, Special Olympics also offers early childhood programming through the Young Athletes Program and medical screenings though the Healthy Athletes Initiative. Special Olympics Kentucky has been changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in Kentucky for 41 years.

The “Buffalo Wild Wings Cops Gone Wild for Special Olympics Kentucky” is one of many Tip-A-Cop events in the state that is part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) campaign.

LETR, which includes an international series of relay runs and special events like Tip-A-Cop, is presented by more than 85,000 law enforcement officers worldwide to help raise money and public awareness for Special Olympics. LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics through which funds raised go directly to local programs in states where the funds are generated.

For more information about this special event on May 21, contact ATFE Special Agent Scott Teal at 859-983-6886, or Jayna Oakley, Torch Run Liaison for Special Olympics Kentucky at 502-695-8222.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Carl Nathe, 859-257-3200; carl.nathe@uky.edu.