Where do I even begin in sharing this? There is much to tell—some of which may sound unbelievable. Believe it because I never aim to deceive.

Cops and Doughnuts bakery has become a regular stop-over when visiting my brother, Bruce. He and his wife Sharon moved to the little town of Clare in Central Michigan long ago. The town takes pride of being the Gateway to the North.

At the time it was sleepy little place. But as time marched on, discount stores made Clare home, putting many of the smaller retailers out of business. It was getting depressing. When the local bakery, owned and run by family members for one hundred years decided to close their doors—it was the last straw.

The local policemen would. Not Have it. The unthinkable was about to happen if they didn’t do something. Nine brave officers, who knew nothing about making doughnuts or running a business stepped up.

Many have heard the love affair a policeman has with doughnuts. Their book, Cops & Doughnuts, told to Anne Stanton, tells the story of how this all came about, explaining the why of it. When an officer has the late night or early morning patrol, they often have a need for a little pick-me-up to see them through their shift. The only places one can count on to be open is the doughnut shop. Now you understand the connection, you’re welcome.

These officers had a very short time to crash learn the ins and outs of doughnut making and carrying on business as usual. But they did it with results business owners dream of. A smashing success. The town is sleepy no more. Police from all parts of Michigan have come to support or learn the how-tos of the bakery business. Making national news helped put them on the map, visitors come from around the nation.

Through the years it has expanded both in real estate and merchandise. The mugs and T shirts bearing clever sayings are popular. “Don’t glaze me bro!” or” D.W.I Doughnuts Were Involved.”  It has become an event for busloads of shoppers, complete with signage, “Inmate of the Month: Parking Only.”

These officers have an enviable sense of humor and play it up to everyone’s delight. It shows policemen in a different light. They are real people (gasp!) that have a respect and a shared commitment to their community. Countless occasions have provided them to help individuals as well as its citizens. An FYI, none of the profits go to the owners, they already have a viable occupation. All funds earned go back into the bakery.

It meant a lot to me to sit briefly with Bubba—I learned they all have nicknames—giving me free reign to the pictures in the book and telling the story. As I introduced myself being Bruce Baldwins’ sister, it was necessary to clarify which Bruce Baldwin.

My brother has a Clare story too. When he and Sharon moved up from the Detroit area, they were not warmly received. City slickers. You understand. It took ten years for them to become accepted residents. But that was only half the problem. It seems they already live there, folks with the same name, well-known among the police force and town at large. Meaning not in the best light— the problem was real. Thankfully, they were able to outlive the mistaken association.

Today was a feel-good post. The book indicates they have a relationship with Jesus, proving with him, all things are possible.