Professional News

UKPD Participates in Truck Pulling Fundraiser for Special Olympics

photo of 2016 truck pull for Special Olympics
2016 Big Brown Truck Pull for Special Olympics

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 18, 2017) – The University of Kentucky Police Department will participate for the first time in The Big Brown Truck Pull to benefit Special Olympics Kentucky from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Texas Roadhouse on 3030 Lakecrest Circle in Lexington.

Fifteen UK Police officers must collectively raise a minimum of $1,000 for two chances to pull an 80,000 pound UPS 18-wheeler cargo truck a distance of 12 feet. UK Police officers will compete for a trophy for the fastest pull time in the men's division as well as additional awards for the top fundraising team, best team T-shirt and most team spirit. Last year, 22 teams participated in the Big Brown Truck Pull and raised $40,000.  Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Kentucky, which currently serves 8,300 individuals with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports programs.

Serving the community is nothing new for the UK law enforcement agency. UKPD has raised more than $5,500 for Special Olympics from fundraising events this year including Tip-A-Cop, Cop On a Rooftop and the Lexington Polar Plunge where they were awarded a trophy as being the top fundraising law enforcement team. UKPD also has the highest site advisor participation rate of any department at The University of Kentucky for FUSION, the largest community service event in a single day in Lexington. Over 40 percent of FUSION site advisor volunteers are members of the UK Police Department.

“The University of Kentucky Police Department is one of the most supportive law enforcement agencies for Special Olympics in the state of Kentucky,” said Taylor Ballinger, special events director for Special Olympics Kentucky. “We are very grateful for involvement in this fun, competitive, family friendly event.”

For more information or to make a donation for UKPD’s Team Page please visit http://2017lexingtontruckpull.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1174456&team=6954070.