So the Wright City Ward 1 alderman is spearheading a campaign to raise money to purchase bulletproof vests for the police department. "I feel we can not ignore this need," he said. "We're asking these guys to go out every day and put themselves in harms' way for our safety." Schuchmann announced his intent to begin the campaign at the city's last aldermanic meeting June 11. The fundraising effort is being called SOON - or Support Our Officers Now. The Wright City Chamber of Commerce agreed to support Schuchmann's fundraising effort after meeting with him June 16. Chamber members and various businesses will sell raffle tickets for $5 apiece. A drawing will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the annual Strassenbash festival at Diekroeger Park. The grand prize is a Wii game system. The second prize winner will receive a $150 auto detailing from Gastorf-Schrumpf Motors, while the third-place prize is a $100 gift to Economy Supermarket. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold, according to Chamber President Phil Cartwright. "We want everyone to pull together," he said. "Wright City is like a big family. Everyone knows everybody." Earlier this year, Schuchmann applied for a grant to be used to purchase new vests, though he and aldermen said it will take matching funds from the city to complete the purchase. Schuchmann said the police department has an immediate need for four vests, but obtaining 10 is preferred. The vests cost around $900 apiece or $9,000 for 10. Wright City Police Chief Henry Matthews said vests normally expire within three to five years after purchase. "We got three that have probably already expired," Matthews said. "We need to replace a bunch of them this year." After Matthews announced the need, Schuchmann said he looked over the budget to see if money was available for the city's matching fund. However, he said there are no areas that could be sacrificed for the purchase. "We're extremely tight on the budget, but this is something that has to be done," Schuchmann remarked. The raffle tickets can be purchased from Chamber members or bought at various businesses, including Gastorf-Schrumpf, Economy Supermarket, Wright City Chamber office and the Wright City R-II administration building. Matthews is thankful of the assistance offered to his department by Schuchmann and the Chamber. "I am very appreciated of the support," he said. "This is a great cause."