Steelers' Quarterback Announces K-9 Grants in Pittsburgh Area
Today, Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Bowl Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund will be distributing six grants totaling $55,000 to police departments in the Pittsburgh, Pa., area where the Steelers play their home games.
Today, Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Bowl Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced the final grants of the 2014-2015 NFL season from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund. The Foundation will be distributing six grants totaling $55,000 to police departments in the Pittsburgh, Pa., area where the Steelers play their home games.
The K-9 departments receiving funding from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation this year include the Township of Springdale, New Castle, Penn Hills, Monaca Borough, Steubenville, and North Strabane Township. These departments will be utilizing their respective grants in a variety of canine-focused initiatives including starting brand-new K-9 units, purchasing K-9 vehicle upgrades, and replacing veteran service dogs that are nearing their much deserved retirement.
This announcement completes the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation's eighth grant cycle, during which it distributed more than $132,000 in grants to K-9 units around the country. In addition to the Pittsburgh grants announced, the Foundation distributed grants to police and fire departments in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers in the 2014-2015 season and one grant outside of the NFL markets in honor of the Steelers' playoff appearance.
The mission of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is to support K-9 units of police and fire departments throughout the United States with a particular emphasis on support for service dogs in Pittsburgh, Pa. Roethlisberger and the Foundation also strive to support Make-A-Wish. The Foundation has distributed in excess of $1.2 million since 2007.
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is grateful for its generous supporters who have enabled it to expand its K-9 grant program, including Pro Camps and the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office as well as caring individual donors from around the country.
Upon receiving their grant, North Strabane Township Police Chief Brian D. Hughes stated, "On behalf of the citizens of North Strabane Township and its police department, I wish to express my sincere thanks for the generosity of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation. This award will assist us in implementing a K-9 program in our township. This program will be a major step in enhancing the police department's crime fighting capabilities and increasing the quality of life for our citizens."
New Castle City Police Chief Robert A. Salem said, "The New Castle City Police Department extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation for the grant toward the purchase of a K-9 vehicle. The challenges to protect and serve our community have greatly increased. The funds provided to the New Castle City Police Department by the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation will assist us in facing these challenges."
In commenting on why the mission of the foundation is so important to him, Roethlisberger said, "We're very fortunate to be in the position that we are able to help these K-9 units. The work that is performed by the dogs and their handlers as well as the bond that is formed is incredible. We're just thrilled to do our small part."
Fans of The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation can support future K-9 grants by purchasing candy on Sarris Candies' website, (www.SarrisCandiesFundraising.com), using a special purchase code (77-7777). Sarris will donate 25% of the purchase price to the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation.
For more information about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation or The Giving Back Fund, visit www.bigben7.com or www.givingback.org.
More Patrol
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →