After their former K9 officer, Storm, was involved in a car accident in July and forced to retire to light duty, the Cambell Police Department is holding a gun raffle to raise money for a new K9 vehicle and police dog.

“He’s had hundreds of drug-related arrests through narcotic detection, traffic stops, building searches,” said Campbell Police Officer Eric Manning of Storm’s law enforcement career. “He’s also had apprehensions with violent felons, fleeing suspects, the things people see on TV, that’s what he does.”

To help raise the $15,000 it will cost to purchase a new police pooch and vehicle, the department is raffling off three guns; a Smith&Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2 for the Sport Shooter, a Glock 43 for the concealed carrier and a Remington 870 for home defense.

Although the winners of the firearms will have to complete background checks at Fin, Feather & Fur Outfitters in Boardman, OH before they can claim their prizes, some people in the community still found a reason to complain about the police fundraiser.

“One of the main complaints that I’m hearing is, ‘You’re a police department. Your job is to get guns off the street,'” Manning said. “At the Campbell Police Department, we believe in the Second Amendment. We believe in people’s right to bear arms. We believe in law-abiding citizens’ right to own guns. We also believe in Ohio’s concealed carry laws.”

Well I can definitely get behind that, can’t you?

“Because of the level of arrests and the impact on crime that the K-9 program has had in the city,” said Manning, “we need to keep that going. That’s why it’s essential to get another dog and put it out on the road.”

The drawing will take place Sunday, December 4, 2016 so there’s still plenty of time to get your tickets! If you’re interested in helping the Cambell Police Department, and don’t mind winning a new gun in the process, you can get a ticket by calling 330-755-1411 or contact Officer Manning by email at [email protected].

Good luck!