Local police boost Special Olympics support at Tip-A-Cop event

Officers from Granville, Monson, Agawam and West Springfield served at a Tip-A-Cop fundraiser at Longhorn Steakhouse to support local Special Olympics athletes; Longhorn plans another fundraising event in June 2026.

Law enforcement officers from Granville, Monson, Agawam and West Springfield took part in a Tip-A-Cop fundraiser at Longhorn Steakhouse in West Springfield. The event gave patrons a chance to meet Special Olympics athletes while officers served food and took orders. Officer Erica Ireland of the West Springfield Police Department spoke about the importance of police, restaurants, athletes, coaches and families understanding that officers are there to support them. The report notes the story was gathered and edited by WWLP staff. Key details: - Participants included officers from Granville, Monson, Agawam and West Springfield. - The fundraiser was held at Longhorn Steakhouse in West Springfield. - Officers served food and took orders while patrons could meet Special Olympics athletes and make donations. - Officer Erica Ireland emphasized police support for athletes, their coaches and families. - Longhorn Steakhouse plans another fundraising event in June 2026; the exact date and time are not yet announced and further details will be shared as they become available. Summary: The event illustrated local law enforcement's ongoing support for Special Olympics athletes and created opportunities for direct interaction between patrons and athletes. Longhorn Steakhouse plans another fundraising event in June 2026; the exact date and time are undetermined at this time.