FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE VERNON REIBLY LODGE #145, PORTAGE, IN 46368 August 15,2018 ‘The executive board ofthe Fraternal Order of Police Indiana Lodge #145 was made aware that ‘you sought a statement regarding ur current fundraising raffle. As you may or may not know, oUF lodge is made up of active-duty and honorably reticed law enforcement aficers coming from multiple polce agencies fom several states and every level of government fram local to federal. Although the FO.P. has many goals one ofthe major focuses of Lodge #145 isthe charitable donation of funds to local “community programs, Oue to this, Lodge #145 maintains a not-for profit status and the majority of our ‘charitable effort are funded via dues pad by the membership. But this soften insufficient, so in dation we also conduct various fundraisers throughout the yea to include raf, shooting “compettions a $k race, and mail solicitations. Apparently there was some concern raed that one ofthe prizes fortis years ale was an “assault rifle” and that may be viewed as inappropriate based upon some recent events where a similar type of firearm was used for homicidal purposes. We certainty sympathize wit the victims and the families harmed by these events but we are ofthe bei thatthe blame for such crimes ie withthe person and not the weapon. In years past we have conducted simiar raffles and offered ths same prize and this isthe first time that decision has ever been questioned. In facta bref Google search revealed dozens of similar raffles with similar prizes being offered across the nation with groups suchas youth sport teams, other F.0.?. Lodges, political candiates, veterans groups, and even some elementary Schools. We are ofthe opinion that such fkearrs aren common lawful use and accepted as Proper. Regardless of what other groups are ding, we beleve that our membership supports Our decision to ffer this prize and those who supper the F0.P. also support this decision, We think this ‘can be confirmed by the fact that it only took four members sic days to sell over fve-hundred raffle tickets Responsible firearms ownership isa ilar of law enforcement office's iestyle and the members of .0.. Lodge #145 support both the state and federal constitutions which contain provisions to guarantee the people’ right to bear arms. The AR-15 or Armalite Rifle - 15 has become the preferred firearm of domestic law enforcement when danger is near. For the same reasons the AR-1S has become popular with aw enforcement thas also become the most popular cWilan rite in America. if wen aw enforcement are tobe trusted with such firearms then so should the peaceable people that we swore to serve. Whoever wins the rafle and receives this awfully possssable firearm will have to submit toa background check ata federally licensed gun dealer in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. Therefore, we see no conflict with law en‘ocements general mission to provide for public safety and the awarding of this prize. ‘We woul ike to close by saying that F.0P. Lodge #145 isa fraternal organization and the views expressed hereto do not necessarily reflect tha: f any law enforcement agency nor do they reflect the views of every single lodge member Respectuly, FOP. Lodge #145 Executive Board