Delco Fire Company Cancels Gun Auction After Recent Shootings

MEDIA, PA — A Delaware County fire company is no longer giving out firearms as part of its current gun raffle after recent shootings.

Media's Rocky Run Fire Company Tuesday said it will not award any actual firearms in its current raffle.

"Instead, winners will be given the cash value of the respective item, and not an actual firearm," the fire company said.

Firearms in the raffle include an AR15 and a semiautomatic pistol.

Winners will be chosen Wednesday night.

This decision to shift to cash comes on the heels of recent shootings.

The fire company said while raffles are necessary to support funding and that gun raffles are common in the state.

"Like many volunteer fire companies across the state of Pennsylvania, we are faced with the ever-growing challenge of raising funds to continue serving the community at the same level they've come to expect," the fire company said. "Gun raffles are not uncommon in Pennsylvania, and all winners must pass a background check conducted by law enforcement. However, we are ever mindful of recent events and the rise of gun violence."

The fire company also said it will not provide firearm prizes in future raffles.