Port-A-Pit legacy supports Crime Stoppers
{Pictured: Shannon Koontz began playing the role of McGruff the Crime Stoppers Dog shortly after his father David became ill. David’s legacy lives on through the annual fundraiser. Contributed Photo.}
You can “take a bite out of crime” along with a juicy piece of chicken.
A Port-A-Pit Chicken Fundraiser for the Lexington area Crime Stoppers will be held on Friday, May 21 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 2nd Reformed Church of Christ, located at 330 N. Church St. Proceeds will be used for rewards, to offset costs of the Lexington area Crime Stoppers Officer of the Year banquet and to pay for floral arrangements when officers pass.
All proceeds will go towards helping local law enforcement, according to organizer Shannon Koontz. The Chief Probation and Parole Officer took on the role upon the unexpected death of his father, David Koontz. Shannon says this is a way to honor his father’s thirty-year commitment to the Crime Stoppers program.
Members of the local community, media and law enforcement came together in partnership to begin the effort to provide crime-solving assistance to law enforcement; the first Crime Stoppers program was born on September 8, 1976.
A cash reward is offered to individuals who provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers with information that would lead to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for a crime. According to the national website, "The local media publicized the first ‘Crime of the Week’ and the phone number to call with the information. A call received by the program resulted in the arrest of three men, within 72 hours, who had been involved in the homicide of the young college student that had occurred four months earlier."
“I just wanted to honor him [father David] by being on the board. It’s something I love,” Shannon said. “The crime stoppers side for me was personal because he had done it so long. He loved to do it.” David was the original McGruff character that appeared in schools, festivals and events across Davidson County. The character came to life in the 1980s as part of the Crime Stoppers brand with quotes like “You don’t know me yet. But you will.” Since then, McGruff the Crime Dog® has taught millions of people that the police can’t fight crime alone – crime prevention is everybody’s business and everyone can help “Take A Bite Out of Crime®.”
Shannon began appearing as McGruff as his dad’s health declined. “I understood why he [David] loved it so much, it’s like being Santa Claus when you show up,” said the 25-year law enforcement veteran.
This year, the fundraiser will include takeout only. The chicken plate includes a half chicken, slaw, potato salad, roll and dessert. Cost is $10/meal. There is an option for delivery for five or more plates to one location.
For more information, contact Lexington Police Department Lieutenant BJ Daniels at (336) 250-1193.
May 9 -15 is National Police Appreciation Week.
