The Merriam Police Department this week raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics Kansas.

Merriam police officers hosted Popcorn Standoff at Cinemark Merriam on March 10 and the Law Enforcement Heroes Pull with the Shawnee Police Department on March 11.

The Heroes Pull showcased 22 teams from various agencies including Kansas City Roller Derby, Santa Fe Tow, the Johnson County Regional Police Academy, Lifetime Lenexa, KC Weightlifting as well as firefighters from Shawnee and Olathe and police officers from Shawnee, Mission, and Prairie Village. The teams – made up of 1,500 pounds of people – had to pull a fire truck and police tactical vehicle 50 feet.

Merriam had two teams participate in the Heroes Pull, where one team placed third overall with a time of 28.53 seconds. Community Service Officer Jaime Brokaw and her 12-year-old son Brayden won the event for lowest total weight. This is the fourth year Merriam competed in the Heroes Pull. The 22 teams raised about $9,600 for Special Olympics Kansas.

Merriam police officers on Saturday participated in the Popcorn Standoff at Cinemark. The movie theater donated all large popcorn and kid pack proceeds to Special Olympics Kansas.

In all, Merriam police officers raised about $7,300 for Special Olympics Kansas during the two events.