The combination of cops and doughnuts has been the subject of bad jokes longer than anybody can remember.

So upon learning that a bunch of law enforcement officers will be converging on Dunkin Donuts in Fort Dodge on Friday, one could be forgiven for groaning and waiting for the inevitable bad punchline.

However, what everyone should be doing is applauding the officers, because their upcoming trip to the doughnut shop is all about raising money for the Special Olympics.

The fundraising event is called Cop on a Rooftop. It will be held from 5 a.m. to noon.

Representatives of the Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa State Patrol and Fort Dodge Correctional Facility will be participating. And true to the event’s name, some of those officers will be on the roof of the building at 2520 Fifth Ave. S. Other officers will be patrolling the grounds to collect donations.

Those who donate $10 or more will get a coupon for a free hot coffee. Those who donate $20 or more will receive a Special Olympics Iowa tumbler.

This is not the officers’ first trip to the roof of Dunkin Donuts. They have been conducting this fundraiser since at least 2017. Fort Dodge is historically one of the top two fundraising communities in this effort, and that’s a distinction these officers are eager to retain.

We urge everyone to visit Dunkin Donuts on Friday morning. It will be a chance to contribute to a great cause that supports fine athletes throughout Iowa. It will also be a chance to meet some of the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect us.