LAPD Was There to Protect and Serve ... Dinner

Dozens of police swarmed the at Northridge Fashion Center Thursday, but not to thwart crime.

Instead, they were there as volunteer waiters earning tips to donate to the Tri-Valley Special Olympics.

The annual Tip-a-Cop day had them taking orders and serving dinners to hungry diners, many of whom turned out especially to participate in the fun and the fund-raiser.

Senior Lead Officer Daniel del Valle, who patrols Chatsworth for the LAPD Devonshire Division, was there early. And Reserve Officer Mitch Englander, who represents Chatsworth as a city councilman, was there in full uniform.

Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to more than 3.7 million athletes in more than 170 countries. Special Olympics activities are held every day, all over the world. To learn more visit www.SOSC.org.