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Amanda Massengale is always up for a little cross-training.
Her Friday routine of refilling sweet-tea orders and delivering cheese biscuits to eager diners was a stark contrast to her days otherwise consumed by traffic citations and court appearances.
“I feel more comfortable in my (regular) job, but I enjoy this a little more than giving someone a ticket,” the city of Cayce police officer said. “At least they’re happy to see me here.”
The officer was among several dozen area law enforcement personnel who added aprons to their uniforms Friday as part of the annual Cops and Lobsters fundraiser. As they have for the past 12 years, the representatives from the various agencies worked alongside staff at the Red Lobster in Cayce to raise money for Special Olympics. The funds support year-round training of the 15,500-plus Special Olympics athletes in the state.
Sam Alexander of Special Olympics explained the event had been sponsored nationally by the restaurant chain until three years ago. But after that commitment ended because of other obligations, managers in this state carried on the tradition.
“Here in South Carolina, we’ve had such a good rapport with the managers,” he said.
And also with customers.
“We’re doing good. We’ve gotten two of everything,” noted Mike Penn, who came in to the Red Lobster for lunch Friday with a group of church friends.
Earning that kind of praise doesn’t come without effort, Massengale said.
“No mistakes, especially on their tea orders,” she said.
The officers from Cayce were joined Friday by others from West Columbia, the town of Lexington, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and Columbia College police force. Richland County sheriff’s deputies held a similar fundraiser at the Red Lobster in Northeast Richland a few weeks back.
Sgt. Lee Barrett of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department said the day of service is a natural extension of the volunteer work many officers contribute year-round. He is among 30 officers from the force scheduled to take part in this year’s Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Barrett has a special appreciation for such involvement, having witnessed several Special Olympics events in the past.
“You go there for the event, and you get to see (the athletes),” he said. “It brings tears to your eyes.”
Entering Friday’s event, officers had raised about $10,000 statewide, including the recent Richland County effort and another in Charleston. With several other fundraisers planned in the coming weeks, the goal is to top $30,000.
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