West Deer police to go forward with golf outing fundraiser despite pandemic

The West Deer Police Department plans to hold its annual golf outing this month despite the coronavirus pandemic that has prompted many organizations to cancel similar fundraising events.

“We’re actually very excited,” police Chief Jon Lape said. “Whatever it takes and however we have to social distance and all that, we’re going to do it. We’re prepared.”

The West Deer Township Police Benefit Golf Scramble was originally scheduled to be held May 1 at the Pittsburgh North Golf Club in Richland, but was pushed back because of the pandemic and related restrictions. It will now take place Aug. 28.

The event benefits the department’s K-9 unit, the newly formed North Hills Law Enforcement Explorers Post and the D.A.R.E. program at Deer Lakes School District.

Money raised will go toward uniforms and training for the explorer program, as well as K-9 Nitro’s health insurance and equipment for his handler, Officer Edward Newman. It also will pay for items associated with the D.A.R.E. program such as pencils and stickers.

The outing raises an average of $10,000 for the department. Last year’s event raised $13,000, which the chief said was the most raised by the outing in a single year.

“It takes a slight burden off the township as far as the K-9 goes. It helps to buy any equipment the officer may need or upgrade the training area,” Lape said. “The funds just help support the program more. As far as the explorer post goes, it’s solely funded by this golf outing.”

In addition to serving as a K-9 handler, Newman also oversees the explorer’s program, which teaches teenagers what it’s like to work in law enforcement through hands-on training and experience. It’s run mutually by the West Deer and Hampton police departments and has 15 members.

Newman said the program is a good way for teenagers to experience the job before deciding if it’s something they really want to do.

“They might not like it. They may love it,” Newman said.

Within two weeks of announcing the rescheduled outing, 144 people — the maximum number of participants allowed — signed up.

The outing was scaled back a bit this year due to the pandemic. The department normally asks local businesses to be sponsors or donate prizes, but decided against that this year.

“We’re not asking for that because businesses have suffered enough,” Lape said. “We’re looking just to be able to get people out there and enjoy a day because everyone’s been unable to do what they want to do this summer for the most part.”