Independence Day raffle to benefit park in memory of fallen officer

A Fourth of July raffle with big prizes will be held in Mesa Friday, and proceeds will go to improve a baseball field soon to be named for fallen Mesa Police Sgt. Brandon Mendoza.

“Brandon was an amazing individual who did just incredible things in that community and so we are doing the best we can to raise money to make improvements at that park in his honor,” said Steve Wright with the City of Mesa.

The raffle happens at the Arizona Celebration of Freedom, the East Valley’s premiere Fourth of July party, Wright said. The improvements will go to support upgrades at the baseball field at Guerrero Rotary Park in Mesa.

Raffle prizes include a $1,000 car stereo from Audio Express, a 50-inch flat-screen TV, a Fender Guitar and more.

Raffle tickets are $5. The Arizona Celebration of Freedom takes place Friday at the Mesa Amphitheater and Convention Center from 6 to 9 p.m.