MECHANICSBURG – In its ongoing effort to raise the funds necessary to add a K9 to the village’s police roster, the Mechanicsburg Police Association is hosting a raffle this holiday season.

In September, Police Chief John Alexander informed Village Council that his department could benefit from having a drug detection dog at its disposal, but that to bring one aboard, it would cost the department approximately $14,000.

In an attempt to raise the money without asking for taxpayer dollars, the police association is selling $10 raffle tickets now through Dec. 22 at the municipal building, 18 N. Main St.

Alexander said proceeds from the raffle will go toward the purchase of the K9 and to pay for the following four prizes: The choice of a Glock or Smith & Wesson handgun (grand prize), a $100 gift card to Vance Outdoors (three central Ohio locations), a $75 Walmart gift card and $50 cash.

Winners will be drawn at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 23, at the municipal building. Individuals don’t need to be present to win.

The winner of the gun raffle, Alexander said, will have to go through the proper channels to acquire the firearm, starting with redeeming a gift card to Vance Outdoors equal to the purchase amount of the handgun.

“The winner will be subject to the federal background check,” he added. “We will in no way, shape or form deviate from any rule of law to benefit our association.”

For individuals not interested in receiving a firearm, the gift card can be spent on anything store-wide at Vance Outdoors.

Live demo scheduled

To give village residents a firsthand look at a police dog in action, the K9 unit from the Mason Police Department (MPD) will be on hand for a program scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, at Mechanicsburg High School.

During the event, which will be held in the auxiliary gymnasium, the MPD will demonstrate K9 obedience, drug detection and tracking work.

Mechanicsburg Police Officer Nick Black, the department’s future dog handler, will be involved in the program, Alexander said.