Community Corner

Big Night for RSM Cops, Special Olympics

Chief of police Brian Schmutz reports Rancho Santa Margarita diners contributed nearly $3,000 in Tip-A-Cop fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics of Southern California.

Never let it be said that cops can't get competitive, especially for a good cause.

When the final tab had been cleared, Rancho Santa Margarita cops had raised more money for Special Olympics of Southern California than had their colleagues from Mission Viejo.

"That's all I care about," cracked Lt. Brian Schmutz, chief of police services in RSM.

Find out what's happening in Rancho Santa Margaritawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Sign up to receive the daily Patch newsletter, or follow RSM Patch on Facebook and Twitter.
  • If you're a business owner or manager, read about your free listing or watch a video; claim the free listing for your business here.

Schmutz was the point man for the Tip-A-Cop fundraising event Thursday night at the Wood Ranch BBQ. Over four hours, Orange County Sheriff deputies—often with one of seven participating Special Olympics athletes in tow—had gleaned $2,941 in contributions from diners.

Not all cops were from RSM. Some were from nearby areas, including Mission Viejo, and one routinely works the Harbor Patrol. All were volunteering off the clock for the good cause.

Find out what's happening in Rancho Santa Margaritawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I’m always saying this is an incredibly generous community and I’m constantly pleasantly surprised by the level of giving and commitment," Schmutz said. "I’ve been in law enforcement 22 years and this is by far the best job I’ve ever had."

The total was about $600 less than last year, but Schmutz was still pleased. Knowing that RSM had raised more than a similar fundraiser by Mission Viejo cops at their local Chili's Restaurant put the police chief in a good mood. So, too, did working with the seven Special Olympics athletes who participated.

"This is the most worthy event I do all year," Schmutz said. "I can’t think of anything else where we can raise almost $3,000 for Special Olympics. Orange County has 1,700 Special Olympics athletes and we had the opportunity to work with seven of them tonight and you won’t find people with bigger hearts anywhere."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here