Fundraiser brings in $2,500 to go toward protective vests for sheriff’s deputies

From left are Sue Murphy and Kelly Devenport , both of the Sheriff’s Office, with Melissa Lane of parish government, at the fundraiser at Katz Lounge. In back are Sheriff James Pohlmann and Parish President Guy McInnis.

Julie Murray and Lisa Levis, organizers of the fundraiser at Katx Lounge, with Sheriff James Pohlmann.

Lisa Levis, owner of Katz Lounge in Chalmette said she has been “really bothered’’ by shootings of police officers in recent months and she and Julie Murray, owner of J & K Pawn and Jewelry, decided a fundraiser to raise money for protective vests for sheriff’s deputies would be a step in the right direction.

“If they (deputies) aren’t safe they can’t keep us (the community) safe,’’ said Levis.

Murray added, “We wanted to give something back to our community,’’ Helping the deputies made sense, she said, because, “They have always been good to my business.’’

The women put together a fundraiser at Katz Lounge on Saturday night, Aug. 20. Levis said they raised $2,500 to donate for vests for deputies.

Sheriff James Pohlmann and sheriff’s deputies took part in the fundraiser.

It was the second fundraiser in three days held by Chalmette businesses to help sheriff’s deputies.

A fundraiser at Me Me’s Lounge on Aug. 17 raised more than $11,000.

Sheriff Pohlmann said the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office are delighted with the results of the fundraisers and appreciate it when people show their support for law enforcement.