Lexington police team up to fight cancer

The Chick-fil-A cow mascot teamed up with Lexington police officers Monday to raise money to fight cancer.

As restaurant patrons ordered breakfast and lunch at a Chick-fil-A restaurant near I-20 and U.S. 378, police officers and volunteers collected donations for Relay For Life at the drive-through and inside.

This is the 50-member department’s first time putting together a team for fight against the disease. It was organized after the death of Art Rish, who served on the force for 11 years before succumbing after 4-year-battle with cancer.

“He was a hero to many of us,” Cpl. Cameron Mortenson said. “We put together a team this year in respect for him and in his honor.”

The team’s goal is to raise up to $3,000, Mortenson said. So far, $1,000 has been received, he said.

Chicken-eaters will see officers Tuesday as well at another Chick-fil-A in the center of town from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We got a great response outside in the street with the cow and the donations are steadily coming in, so we’re excited about that,” said Hope Williams, human resources director for Chick-fil-A in Saluda Pointe and West Columbia.

In addition to collecting donations, officers are selling 200 raffle tickets for an upscale cooler valued at about $400.

This story was originally published May 9, 2016 at 4:26 PM.