Tisa Coffey puts fresh ground pepper on Mary Bousquet's salad Friday during the Tip a Cop fundraiser at the Desert River Inn in Umatilla.<br>Sarah Britain/The Hermiston Herald

Half a dozen officers from the Umatilla Police Department converged on the Desert River Inn Friday and Saturday nights.

Although, no crime had been committed, the police staked out the restaurant from 5-10 p.m. both nights – participating in Tip A Cop to benefit Umatilla-Morrow County Special Olympics.

Police Chief Darla Huxel had talked to Angella Lambert, the restaurant’s owner and then approached Phyllis Town, local coordinator for Special Olympics, about the fundraising effort.

“It gives us an opportunity to give back to the community,” Huxel said. Historically, police departments have supported Special Olympics.”

Lambert said in addition to the tips the police receive, her wait staff also donated their tips to the organization, which provides athletic training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

“I think it’s a great organization and it’s a great opportunity for the community,” she said.

Tisa Coffey, code enforcement officer and a reserve with the department, agreed.

As a youngster, Coffey used to visit with residents at Betah Enterprises, a residential facility for adults with developmental disabilities. Many of the residents participated in Special Olympics.

Coffey’s mother, Carol, was a nurse at the facility.

“That was awesome. She always had a special knack working with them. I always admired that,” Coffey said about her mother.

Heidi Sipe, Umatilla School District superintendent, chose to eat at the restaurant before attending the Viking football game.

Sipe said she supports Special Olympics and particularly, athlete Viki Wickstrom, who participates in track and bowling and volunteers for the school district.

When asked if she was a big tipper, Sipe responded, “Tonight I will be.”

When Coffey wandered by the table where her daughter, Taija, was eating, another diner asked the 9-year-old if she planned to leave a tip for her mother.

“I don’t know, maybe 50 cents. I only have two quarters,” the 9-year-old said.

However, the younger Coffey insisted Cindy Roxbury, who was eating with her, “better leave a big tip.”

Part of “Team Jilli,” friends and family of Special Olympian Jilli Smalley, also enjoyed a meal during the fundraiser.

Smalley, 17, who has been chosen to participate in cross country skiing for Team USA during the 2009 Winter World Games, said she likes to go fast when skiing.

“That’s what’s so amazing – she has her dad’s athletic ability and sense of balance and my impatience, so that’s why she goes fast,” Kristi Smalley said about her daughter.

Jilli isn’t the only person who’s fast. Midge Harris, who was eating with the Smalleys, couldn’t believe how quickly their meal was served.

“It’s amazing how fast the cooks are when the cops are here,” Officer Ray Prindle said with a laugh.