Milton officer to walk for eight hours straight.

'Cuffed for a Cause' to raise money for Special Olympics

Media Contact:
Jason Wright
jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us
678-242-2523 (Office)
770-825-3096 (Blackberry)


MILTON, GA., April 2, 2010 - One City of Milton police officer is breaking in his most comfortable pair of shoes this week - shoes he will "sorely" need while walking eight straight hours cuffed to a moving treadmill.

Milton's Paul Fregosi will be one of dozens of police officers across the state to participate in the Special Olympics of Georgia's "Cuffed for a Cause" event April 10 to raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The Milton Police Department is trying to raise $1,500 by holding its "Cuffed for a Cause" marathon at the Walmart on Windward Parkway from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Passers-by can drop off donations, and if enough money is raised, the officer can get off the treadmill early.

Fregosi, an avid runner who keeps in shape on Alpharetta's Greenway trail system, said he volunteered for the event.

"That may sound crazy," he said. "But I think this is going toward a great cause, and I am proud to represent our community."

And though he's looking forward to his chance to help out the Special Olympics of Georgia, Fregosi said he is a little nervous.

"I usually run about five miles a day, and I've been in several races," he said. "But even if I walk at just three miles an hour, that's 24 miles - so it's taken some preparation."

Community Outreach Officer Andrew Phillips said Walmart generously donated the treadmill, and Milton-based businesses Anytime Fitness and Extreme Nutrition are co-sponsoring the event.

Cuffed for a Cause is the last fundraising event for the Milton Police Department in its efforts to raise money for the Special Olympics of Georgia's Law Enforcement Torch Run, which will take place Wednesday, May 19.

Previously, the Milton Police Department participated in and raised money for "Tip a Cop" Feb. 9 at Dickey's Barbecue and the "Polar Plunge" Feb. 20. To date, the department has raised more than $3,000 through in-person and online donations.