Golden Living Center donates to peace officers association
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Marion County Peace Officers Association (MCPOA) is in the midst of a fund drive. The money collected will be used to provide training and safety equipment to its members and to support other charitable events in the county.
All of the law enforcement officers in Marion County are members of the association, which was established in 1971.
They recently received one of their largest donations ever, a total of $1,500 from Golden Living Center of Marion.
The money came in the form of a grant from the parent company's Golden Ventures Community Support Initiative.
The money was sought to purchase bullet-proof shields and training equipment to prepare officers to enter public buildings that are under attack by an active shooter.
According to Jessey Hiebert, president of MCPOA, the association will begin "tactical walk-throughs" of school districts in the county beginning in September, to learn what to look for and how to handle an attack.
Hiebert warned county residents against responding to telephone-solicited donations from purported "peace officers." He said it may be a scam, and it's best to donate to the local association.
"We do not solicit money over the telephone, but by word of mouth," he said.
Citizens interested in taking part in the current fund drive may do so by contacting Hiebert at 620-382-7182 or sending checks to Marion County Peace Officers Association, 203 S. Fourth, Marion KS 66861. Donors will receive MCPOA T-shirts and window decals.
"Members of the association would like to extend thanks to all the businesses and citizens who have graciously given funds to the association during this current fund drive," Hiebert said.
The last drive was conducted five years ago. This drive will continue through 2008.
Business donations of $50 or more have been received so far from Eighth Judicial District Court Services, Bearly Makin-It Antiques, Citizens State Bank, Cooperative Grain and Supply, Country Inn Motel of Marion, Goodwin Industries, Inc., Hett Construction, Golden Living Center, JNJ Transportation Inc., Jost Funeral Home, Justus Band, Markley's Towing and Recovery, Olde Towne Restaurant, Quick Flick Video/Radio Shack, Route 56 Classic Cruisers, Suffield Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, TC's What Not Shop, The Big Scoop, The Lumberyard Inc., The Rock Shop, Webster Auto Service Inc., Western Associates, Western Graphics, What-Knots, and White Trucking.
