Cops raid pockets for Special Olympics fundraiser

Former Chief Deputy Steve Schuette came out of retirement Thursday for a good cause.

But instead of collaring criminals and making arrests, Schuette played busboy and delivered drinks to customers of Applebee's during the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser for Special Olympics.

"I'm missing 'Sopranos' for this," said an always-teasing Schuette as he quickly cleared the tables to keep the customers moving.

Applebee's server Kelli Teasdale said lunchtime business was brisk and her helper, Carson City Sheriff's Lt. Bob White, was on the ball, making sure the patrons had what they needed. He frequently visited the tables, if not to top off customer's drinks, then to schmooze tips out of them for the fundraiser.

"It makes it fun to have all these guys here," said Teasdale, who's worked for Applebee's for three years.

She noted that while the restaurant was busy, alcohol sales usually struggle when the dining room is full of uniformed officers, and Thursday was no exception.

Deputy Bill Richards, who 20 years ago worked as a bartender in Carson City, was once again behind the bar for Thursday's event.

He made what could be the largest single tip of the event.

"One guy gave me $100 bill," he said.

In addition to Richards, White and Schuette, the lunchtime crew of Deputy Jessica Rivera, reserve Commander Tom Crawford, reserve Sgt. Chris MacMahon and reserve deputies Jason Johnston and Dave Doll, Lt. Jeff Melvin and Undersheriff Steve Albertsen, brought in at least $855. Johnston raked in highest amount at $230.

Totals for the dinner crew, made up of deputies Nathan Brehm, Thomas McDonald, Sam Hatley, James Boggan, John Hitch, and reserve deputies Chad Cerniglia, Matt Cannizzaro and Shannon McConville, were not immediately available.

- Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.