Md. Firefighters to Raffle Guns in Fundraiser

A fire department will raffle guns during a fundraising event Saturday at a Charles County, Md. firehouse.

The event is put on by the Accokeek Volunteer Fire Department in Prince George's County. Although its fire chief did not want to comment on camera, he said the raffle helps raise funds for the fire department's dated facility. He also said their engine is more than 15 years old, "way beyond" its expiration date.

Despite its good intentions, the event is not been held at the Accokeek VFD. Last year, it was relocated to Charles County.

"We're just very uncomfortable with the gun show being held at one of our fire stations, a public safety agency, and that we're sending the wrong message," Prince George's County Fire Department spokesperson Mark Brady said. "We're not trying to deny anyone their constitutional rights, but we felt uncomfortable with the message."

This year, it will be put on at the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department on Livingston Road in Ryans Road, Md. 

"Things worked out in our favor that they were able to conduct their fundraiser, albeit in a neighboring jurisdiction," Brady said.

Tickets to the "210 Sportsmans Bonanza" cost $45 and include all you can eat, all you can drink, including beer.

The spokesperson for Charles County told News4 the event is perfectly legal because no live ammunition will be raffled off with the shotguns and rifles.

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