Cops on Top: officers and firefighters camp out on roof for a good cause

Aarik Long, The Mountaineer, Waynesville, N.C.
·2 min read

Aug. 4—Law enforcement officers and firefighters from across Haywood County scaled the Belk's building in Waynesville Friday morning and will remain camped out on the roof through Sunday for the annual Cops on Top event.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the event that raises money for the North Carolina Special Olympics. Stranded on a highly-visible rooftop, the Cops on Top can be spotted by everyone coming and going to the Walmart shopping complex over the weekend.

A steady stream of meals donated by local restaurants are sent up to the officers and firefighters — from steak dinners to BBQ plates with all the fixin's. Last year, they even fired up an outdoor projector for a rooftop screening of the new, "Top Gun" movie.

However, it's not all sunshine and roses up on the roof, but there is lot of sun.

"The temperatures are the worst. One year, we checked the thermometer, and it was over 100 degrees up there," said Daniel Blagg, Cops on Top organizer. "It's very warm. You don't want to do a whole lot."

Blagg said they stay hydrated and avoid exerting themselves too much. But the support of the community is what carries them through.

"It's a great experience," Blagg said. "The support of the community motivates us to continue and endure the high temperatures. It's all worth it."

Prep work for the weekend got underway Thursday morning. The first job is building a rooftop platform for the guys to sit on, giving them extra height to make them more visible from the ground.

Cops on Top raised $36,600 for the Special Olympic last year. This year, they hope to surpass that with a goal of $40,000.

"We've been very fortunate with the community support," Blagg said. "We have people who put it on their calendars and call and ask when the next year's event is. I think a lot of people look forward to it."

Blagg gave a special shoutout to their sponsors. Haywood Builders provides the lumber for the platform and an equipment operator to hoist the lumber and supplies onto the roof, while Benchmark Builders provides scaffolding for the platform. Frog Level Vending has historically provided snacks and water. Fat Buddies, Waynesville Pizza, Haywood Smokehouse, Chick-Fil-A and Bojangles will also be providing food to those on the roof.