Town Organizes Electrifying Fundraiser for Public Safety
- By Ginger Hill
- Jul 02, 2015
There are thousands of ways to raise money to help enhance public safety in small towns across the US. Some that cross my mind are carnivals, bake sales, car washes or silent auctions; however, I tip my hat to the town of Van Meter, Iowa, who in my opinion, has won the award for most creative. 
With a population of just over 1,100, this small Iowan town is holding a raffle fundraiser for public safety. Seems pretty normal, right? Well, not exactly. You see, the one and only prize is offering citizens the chance to tase a public official. Nothing says “public safety” like 50,000 volts of electricity surging through the body!
This “bright” idea came up during a police force meeting when the topic of raising some extra money came up. After some joking, the terms were settled:
- Tickets would cost $5 each;
- The money raised would be used to purchase a second squad car; and
- City Administrator Jake Anderson or fellow council member Bob Lacy would be the “tasees.”
Police Chief William Dagget was all for it since Tasers are supposedly only dangerous if someone has a prior medical condition or one of the prongs goes into or around the heart area. The thing with Tasers is that the effects are short and they don’t burn like pepper spray, so I’ve been told.
Although this is meant to be a fun way to raise money, a certified officer will be assisting with the actual tasing, probably because in the past 11 years, at least 540 people have died from Tasers.
About the Author
Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.