Newtown Cops Serve Up Pizza for a Good Cause

If you happened to stop by Pizza Palace on Church Hill Road Wednesday night, you may have noticed your order wasn't taken by your typical server.

Three Newtown police officers took orders and served up pies last night as part of the department's second Tip-A-Cop program, designed to raise money for the Special Olympics. 

Waiting tables isn't the usual part of their job description, but Officer Matt Wood said police officers were getting the hang of it.

"The customers are very patient," he said in between orders. "Obviously, service tends to be a little slower with us!"

Wood worked from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. alongside Sgt. David Kullgren and Officer Will Chapman. They were joined by magician Bryan Lizotte, a regular feature at the Pizza Palace, who performed card and rope tricks for patrons while they ate.

Pizza Palace owners and Police Chief Michael Kehoe organized the event last year as an annual fundraiser for the Special Olympics of Connecticut. In 2012 the event brought in about $1,000, and Pizza Palace owners said this time was already exceeding expectations.

"It's for such a great cause, and its a win-win situation," said Pizza Palace co-owner Dila Dushku. "It's a fun little thing -- some people get giddy, and families love to come up."