GARDENDALE, Alabama - The Gardendale Police Department will participate in the annual Cops on Top fundraising campaign benefiting the Special Olympics of Alabama this Friday and Saturday, April 19 and 20.
Police officers will be collecting donations at Wells Fargo Bank in Gardendale from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. both days. They will also be selling T-shirts for the statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run, which also benefits Special Olympics. The shirts cost $12.
"We appreciate everybody who can come out and buy a T-shirt or just contribute to the cause," said Gardendale Police Chief Mike Walker.
Cops on Top began as a way to collect donations and to promote the Torch Run. Walker said this is the fourth year the department has participated in Cops on Top. Several other police departments across the state, including Homewood police and Pelham police, are also participating. The Torch Run will take place at different spots in the state May 16 and 17. In Gardendale, the run will start May 16 at noon at Gardendale First Baptist Church. Officer Terry Crumpton will carry the torch for GPD during the run, which will finish at the Gardendale Civic Center.
To donate online visit FirstGiving.com. For information on Cops on Top and the Torch Run visit alabamaletr.com.
Updated at 2:55 p.m. to include additional details on the Torch Run in Gardendale.