SAXONBURG — By supporting the ability and protection of its police department, the Saxonburg community is protecting itself.

Friends of the Saxonburg Police, an organization formed in 2018, raises funds to enhance the officers’ training, equipment and computer software. It’s put together a Steeler Book squares pool, done 50-50 raffles and sent mailers to residents requesting donations in recent years to raise funds.

This year, the organization is teaming with COPS-1 (Community One Public Safety Training) — a martial arts business that trains police in de-escalation and control tactics— in putting together the first Chief Adams Memorial Golf Outing, slated for June 23 at Saxon Golf Course.

“We both have non-profit organizations to support our police and decided to work together on this,” said William Hoche, treasurer for Friends of the Saxonburg Police. “All of the proceeds from this event will go toward training and needed equipment for our police department.

“We appreciate their service and dedication. They serve us and it’s important to us to help them do that.”

The outing is named for former Saxonburg officer and police chief Gregory B. Adams, who was killed years ago while trying to apprehend a thief looking to rob a local jewelry store.

“Chief Adams was shot during a conflict, after he stopped the car,” Hoche said. “The thief suffered two broken ankles and other injuries during the incident. Chief Adams gave his life in the line of duty. We want to honor that.”

The golf outing will be a noon shotgun start and is a four-person or two-person scramble format. Entry fee is $100 per golfer and includes dinner — provided by LeFevre’s Catering Service — after golf.

The outing also features a $10,000 hole-in-one contest, a $500 first-place prize for the four-person scramble, $150 closest to the pin (for two holes) and $100 for the longest putt. Raffles include a Scotty Cameron putter. Prize baskets will be available through a Chines Auction and a 50-50 raffle will be held.

Last year, Friends of the Saxonburg Police were able to purchase three folding ballistic shields for police use, a cost of a few thousand dollars.

“If they (officers) need them, they have them, rather than have to wait until they’re brought in from another location,” Hoche said.

“Our contract with Saxon allows us to have 125 golfers participate,” he added. “If we get a few more, I’m, sure they’ll allow it. This is the first time we’ve organized a golf outing and we’re hoping it’s successful enough that we can make this an annual event.”

Bob Makowski is owner of Makowski Martial Arts in Sarver, which provides education and training to the Saxonburg police officers.

“We teach legal, effective methods for the police to react to a subject and safe ways to de-escalate a potentrially dangerous situation,” Makowski said. “We’re proud of the bond we have with them as a training facility and we’re excited to be part of this golf outing.

“We’re extemely hopeful and confident it will be a success.”

Call 724-841-4555 or Saxon Golf Course for more details.