It's an invitation to kick up your heels during the holidays - and help raise money for a worthy cause.

The Ironton-Lawrence County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 75 will have a policeman's ball Dec. 17 at the Knights of Columbus in Ironton.

It's been years since the FOP had a policeman's ball- longer than some can remember.

&#8220We've not had one since I've been here and I've been here 10 years,” Ironton Police Captain and FOP secretary Dan Johnson said. &#8220It's been a while.”

FOP President and Ironton police officer Pam Neal Wagner said the ball will raise money for the county's two K-9 units.

The Ironton Police Department has Ace, a German shepherd, as its crime dog. The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office has Max, a Belgian malinois, as its crime dog.

Both K-9 units are used for a multitude of police tasks, such as drug sweeps and tracking suspects. Proceeds from the ball will also fund the FOP's anti-drug efforts.

Printing Express and the Knights of Columbus have signed on as sponsors for the ball. Wagner said she hoped other local businesses will follow suit once more people learn of the event.

The ball will begin at 7:30 p.m. Appropriate attire will be semi-formal. Tickets are $20 for singles and $35 for couples and are available through any FOP member or at the Ironton Police Department.

Anyone with questions may contact Wagner at the police department (740) 532-2338.

&#8220We hope that if everything goes well, we can continue this in the future,” Wagner said.