Clark County deputies go ‘furry’ for charity

Residents of Springfield may notice something a little different about employees from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office during the month of February.

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Several officers and other personnel are taking part in Furry February, a special fundraising event. The office decided to host a benefit for the organization in honor of Dep. Suzanne Hopper, Lt. Kristopher Shultz said.

Hooper was killed in the line of duty in 2011.

As part of the fundraiser, Shultz said, male personnel are allowed to not shave for the month. Both male and female employees are also able to donate to go without wearing ties or can wear embroidered baseball caps in lieu of their standard uniform, Shultz said.

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All the proceeds will go to the Special Olympics of Clark County, Shultz said, an organization Hopper showed strong support for during her tenure at the office.

“She gave up her time and her finances for the entire time that she worked here in support of Special Olympics and a variety of other charities,” he said. “Special Olympics was particularly important to her because one of her children was special needs and participated in Special Olympics and still continues to participate today.”

The fundraiser is set to run through March 2, where special contests will take place during the annual Suzanne Hopper Memorial Volleyball Tournament. Male employees will take part in a “best beard” competition and female employees will be entered into a drawing. The winners will receive prizes donated by the community.

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Even though this is the first time they’ve tried the event, Schultz said, everyone has been positive and are excited to help the organization.

“For us, it’s a way for us to assist a very worthy national charity and also pay tribute to Suzanne for the sacrifice she made for the community,” he said.

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