On Friday, May 15, 2026, hundreds of police officers across Iowa and Illinois participated in the annual “Cop on a Rooftop” fundraising event.
This initiative, a collaboration with Dunkin’, aims to raise critical funds and public awareness for the Special Olympics Iowa and Special Olympics Illinois organizations.
The event marks a significant tradition where law enforcement personnel literally stake out on store rooftops to engage with the community for a charitable cause.
The 2026 event represents the 11th year of the fundraiser in Iowa and the 23rd anniversary of the partnership in Illinois.
Since its inception in Illinois in 2003, the “Cop on a Rooftop” program has successfully raised more than $11.1 million for the state’s athletes.
Patrons visiting Dunkin’ Donuts locations have several ways to contribute to the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) fundraising efforts.
Donations are accepted through multiple channels including cash, check, credit card, and modern digital options like Venmo or QR codes.
In exchange for their generosity, donors receive specific rewards based on their contribution levels throughout the morning.
Various local departments have set high benchmarks for their community engagement and fundraising totals this year.
In Fort Dodge, local officers were stationed at the 2520 Fifth Ave. S. Dunkin’ location to collect funds for training and competition opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Naperville Park Police focused their efforts at 1991 Brookdale Road, building on their 2025 success of raising nearly $3,000.
Lake Forest and Lake Bluff police also joined the effort across three specific locations, including Rockland Road and Skokie Highway.
The Marshalltown location has historically been one of the highest-performing sites in Iowa, having raised $2,400 in a previous year’s campaign.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is recognized as the largest grassroots fundraising vehicle in the world for the Special Olympics.
More than 1,000 officers in Iowa and over 3,000 in Illinois participate annually in LETR programs to advocate for inclusion.
The funds raised provide year-round training and competition in up to 23 different Olympic-type sports for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics Iowa currently serves more than 14,500 athletes and Unified partners, while Illinois serves over 55,000 individuals.
Dunkin’ became a Premier Statewide Partner for Special Olympics Iowa in 2018 following a single event that raised over $30,000.
In Illinois, Dunkin’ committed to donating an additional $15,000 to the Law Enforcement Torch Run in honor of the 2026 participants.
The event is designed to foster positive relationships between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they protect.
By using the “inverted pyramid” of visibility—cops on roofs—the organization ensures that the “Flame of Hope” remains a public priority.
While the “Cop on a Rooftop” event is a major highlight, it is part of a year-round effort leading up to the State Summer Games in June.
The combined effort of local police, corporate partners, and residents continues to provide equal opportunities for athletes to reach their full potential.
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