First Responders Night Raffle Boosts Alton Police K-9 Unit

A jersey raffle tied to First Responders Night once again delivered support for the Alton Police Department, reinforcing a community partnership that has become a yearly tradition.

Jul 21, 2026 1:28 PM Jul 21, 2026 1:40 PM

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department said it received a donation for its K-9 program from the Alton River Dragons, continuing a tradition tied to the team’s First Responders Night jersey raffle.

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Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford thanked Steve Marso and the Alton River Dragons for what he described as their continued support. Chief Ford said Marso recently stopped by to present a donation from this year’s First Responders Night jersey raffle.

The department said the raffle donation is part of a tradition the River Dragons have continued for several years.

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“The Alton Police Department would like to extend our sincere thanks to Steve Marso and the Alton River Dragons for their continued support of our K-9 program,” Chief Ford said.

Ford described the Alton River Dragons as “more than just a baseball team” and called them “outstanding community partners.”

“From ownership to the coaches and players, their organization consistently demonstrates what it means to support local first responders and invest in the City of Alton,” Chief Ford said.

Ford and the Alton Police Department also thanked “everyone with the Alton River Dragons” for their “generosity, your partnership, and everything you do for our community.”

“We look forward to continuing this great relationship for years to come,” he said.

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