CLARE, Mich. -- A few Mid-Michigan police officers are creating the ultimate cliché.

When the Clare Police Department got word that their beloved bakery and doughnut shop was shutting down, the department decided to buy it.

The guys ribbed for spending too much time at doughnut shops outright bought one and they’re getting a lot of smirks and raised eyebrows from customers.

It turns out the previous owners were running low on dough and were just weeks away from folding up the 113-year-old bakery.

So to everyone’s surprise and muted laughter, Clare’s nine fulltime cops saved the town’s doughnut shop.

Now creampuffs and handcuffs – in a sense – go hand in hand, giving the phrase ‘protect and serve’ more than a dozen glazed, sprinkled or custard-filled meanings.

The officers will volunteer their time and won’t be getting paid.

The store will be staffed by college and high school students.

The donut store is also selling apparel through their Web site.