Latest news with #CoponaRooftop
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Savoy mock plane crash prepares first responders
SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — Willard Airport is preparing for the worst case scenario: a plane crash. Their emergency preparedness exercise isn't a new event, but it keeps response tactics fresh for the first responders who would be on the scene if a plane crashed. The FAA requires Willard Airport to carry out this exercise every three years. 4 years later: Champaign Deputy Chief reflects on death of Officer Chris Oberheim 'It's important for us so we can see if they're any weak spots in our system,' Airport Fire Marshal John Cumbee said. Plane crashes seem to be a hot topic as places like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and spots closer to home like Trilla, Ill. grapple with the aftermath. Willard officials said they don't believe plane crashes are any more common than they used to be, only more prevalent in the media. Around 50 volunteers played the victims in Willard's exercise, acting as if they were part of the next accident in the headlines. 'I think the biggest thing we can give people is safety and peace of mind,' Cumbee said. 'They want to know [that] if they're flying they're going to be taken care of.' Cop on a Rooftop raises $1.2M for Special Olympics Illinois The volunteers laid alongside weighted dummies waiting for help. Some were even taken to the hospital to help staff hone in on their emergency response skills. 'Any incident this large is going to take a lot of resources,' Cumbee said. The end result is county-wide preparedness for the unthinkable, and to be best equipped if that day comes. Every department of first responders will be analyzed on how their performance is to better inform how they do things going forward. Willard officials said, while they do the full-scale exercise every three years, they still hold smaller-scale practices every year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cop on a Rooftop raises $1.2M for Special Olympics Illinois
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Law enforcement officers stood on top of Dunkin' Donuts' rooftops across the state on Friday to raise money for an important cause. Cop on a Rooftop is part of an effort to raise money for the Special Olympics Illinois and helps to ensure that each athlete can compete at no cost. Oberheim Baseball tournament held to honor fallen officer This year, the event raised $1.2 million. It's their largest fundraiser of the year. From 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, law enforcement officers stood atop Dunkin' locations in the state, to rally communities in support of their local Special Olympics athletes. In Illinois, more than 350 Dunkin' locations participated in the fundraiser. This year marks the 22nd year of the event. Since the program began, nearly $10 million has been raised in Illinois. You can find out more about the event, and how to donate, here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
‘The weather helped' as Lincolnwood police officers perched on the roof of Dunkin' Donuts, raising money for Special Olympics
Several Lincolnwood Police Department staffers, officers and more spent their morning Friday waving from the rooftop of a local Dunkin' Donuts restaurant, taking part in the annual 'Cop on a Rooftop' fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois. This year was the second time that patrol officers Anastasia Kantzavelos and Joseph DiFilippo partnered to organize Lincolnwood police's Dunkin' fundraiser event. Also participating were members of the local Fraternal Order of Police. DiFilippo was pleased with the turnout. 'I think the weather helped out a lot and with us being outside,' DiFilippo said. Kantzavelos said, 'It's fun to talk to the public, see the support that we get with the Special Olympics. 'This isn't necessarily for us, but the support that we get … it's nice to know that people still come and they support every year,' Kantzavelos added. Patrol Officer Autumn Kafka and Deputy Chief Travis Raypole were among the department personnel on the roof. On the ground, other officers were manning tables and walking the drive-through accepting donations from customers. Donors were given coupons for Dunkin' products and other giveaways. Cop on a Rooftop proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois, which includes athletes with intellectual disabilities. The nonprofit organization helps provide 'free life-changing opportunities to a statewide community of more than 60,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and more,' according to its website. Frank and Faith Rago, and Steve Jeras, all from Lincolnwood, were among donors and customers. 'I think it's a wonderful thing,' Jeras said. 'They're (Lincolnwood police) doing this on their own time and the kids (Special Olympics athletes) need help, they really do. … Special Olympics is a beautiful thing.' The Ragos were interested in the T-shirts that were given away. They expressed their gratitude for Lincolnwood's first responders, calling them 'amazing' and 'very, very kind.' 'We appreciate everybody who comes and supports this cause,' said officer and event co-organizer Kantzavelos.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cop on a Rooftop event raises money for Special Olympics athletes
Local police officers were hanging out on the rooftops at some Dunkin' locations on Friday to collect money to support Special Olympics Iowa and Illinois. The Cop on a Rooftop event is a fundraiser for the Law Enforcement Torch Run in preparation for the Special Olympics. Everyone who donated got a free doughnut, and some visitors were rewarded with morning coffee. Organizers say law enforcement helps with Special Olympics in many different areas. More than 300 locations participated Friday in Cop on a Rooftop. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wakonda Club prepares for Principal Charity Classic
DES MOINES, Iowa — We're less than two weeks away from the start of the biggest golf weekend of the year in Central Iowa: the Principal Charity Classic. Preparations started at Wakonda Club in Des Moines at the end of April, so they've been getting ready for about two and a half weeks and are way ahead of schedule. They've been working on building the grandstands and tents. The Principal Charity Classic action begins May 28 and then the first round starts on Friday and goes through that Sunday, June 1. The tournament will feature some of the best senior golfers in the world, part of the PGA Tour Champions. The course was newly renovated last year, so this year the players will be a little more familiar with it. 'Cop on a Rooftop' event raises money for Special Olympics Iowa This is a community event for Des Moines and Iowa, benefiting Iowa children's charities. Since 2007, $62 million has been raised in support of Iowa youth. Each year it impacts the lives of more than 130,000 youth in philanthropic areas. Last year, they raised over $8 million from the tournament. Do they think they can top that this year? 'We do, we really do. All of our sponsors and corporate partners really help bring this all together. Our four charity partners are MercyOne, Blank Children's Hospital, Variety and United Way. Fans who come out to the tournament are supporting all of those groups. Every ticket sold, beverage purchased, go to the Principal Charity Classic,' the Tournament Director Alex McCarty said. 'I think it's the biggest thing, is it's a community event,' Wakonda Club Director of Golf Aaron Krueger said. 'So, it's a great golf tournament. We always have really good championship golf, Hall of Fame players with Ernie Els winning last year. But the community comes out and supports it. And so when you open up to the community, it's just a big event feel. It's also the charitable side for the kids and the money. They raised $8 million last year. They're looking to exceed that this year. It's a very special thing to be a part of.' Some logistics for the tournament: You can park in the downtown surface lots by 8th and Crocker streets for free, and they have a free shuttle at that spot to take you five minutes south to Wakonda Club. You can also Uber and bike. It is a cashless tournament. You can buy tickets at the door or buy them online. They start are $25. To learn more visit the Principal Charity Classic website. Iowa News: ISU President Wintersteen retires after 40 years with the school Why has it been so windy in Iowa? Get ready for a cool down this weekend in Iowa Judge OKs Iowa limits on K-6 gender identity, sexual orientation teaching but not elective programs Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen to retire Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
