The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is launching a pair of raffles in an effort to raise funds for night vision and thermal imaging equipment for its deputies, equipment Sheriff Chris Degase says became critically important during recent armed incidents in the region.
Degase said the effort comes after several dangerous encounters in recent weeks, including a lengthy exchange of gunfire involving law enforcement officers in neighboring counties. During those incidents, he said officers found themselves at a disadvantage while operating in darkness.
“With my 32 years in law enforcement, that was undoubtedly the worst thing I’ve experienced in my life,” Degase said. “Being pinned down somewhere in the dark taking gunfire and not being able to see.”
Degase said some deputies currently have access to night vision or thermal imaging equipment, but the department does not have enough units to ensure every officer is properly outfitted during a major response.
“Our goal in the next two months is to get every officer in Douglas County equipped with night vision,” Degase said.
To help reach that goal, the sheriff’s office is organizing two firearm raffles. One raffle will feature a Desert Eagle .50 AE handgun, while another will feature a .338 Lapua rifle. Proceeds from the raffles will be used to purchase additional night vision and thermal imaging systems for deputies.
Degase said the equipment is essential when officers are searching wooded areas or responding to incidents after dark, particularly in rural counties where large areas may have little or no lighting.
The sheriff’s office plans to push the fundraising effort heavily over the next 60 days, with hopes of raising enough money to purchase several additional units.
Community members who wish to support the effort can also make donations through the sheriff’s office’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, which Degase said already supports programs such as Shop With a Cop and Coats With the Kids.
Any donations designated for the equipment initiative, Degase said, will go directly toward purchasing night vision and thermal imaging gear.
“All the funds are separated out by line items,” Degase said. “Any donations made for this would absolutely be going toward night and thermal vision equipment.”
Degase said the department hopes community support will help ensure deputies responding to dangerous situations have the tools needed to operate safely and effectively.
