By Pat Culverhouse

Anyone thinking of making a firearm purchase in the next few weeks might want to think about trying their luck and saving a buck or two.

Tickets for the Minden Police Association’s 31 Guns in 31 Days have are officially on sale, giving individuals multiple chances to win  a long gun (rifle) or handgun. Cost of the tickets is $25 each or five for $100, with the proceeds going to help purchase equipment for the Minden Police Department’s Special Response Team (SRT).

Weapons for the fundraiser are being provided by Hope Creek Munitions. Drawings will be conducted daily beginning May 1 and continuing the entire month. Persons do not have to be present to win. And there’s a unique twist to the drawings.

“When a person wins, the ticket will be returned to the hopper,” said MPD Sgt. Shane Griffith, a steward (board member) of the Minden Police Association. “There was a multiple winner when we held the first  31 in 31, so there’s always a chance your ticket could be drawn again.”

Griffith said purchasing the five tickets for $100 makes the odds a little better, and the money will be used for something that benefits the community.

“During our first 31 for 31 fundraiser, we raised enough money to get the SRT team some very necessary equipment,” he said. “The SRT’s priority is to protect the public in potentially life-critical situations, and the equipment also helps us achieve our goal of officer safety while we’re doing our job.”

Tickets can be purchased from any member of the SRT and at the Minden Police Department headquarters front desk. Purchases may also be made on the Minden Police Association’s PayPal link: