In the course of conducting a product demonstration, Bryan Piester, a regional sales manager for FNH USA, listened to some of the recent difficulties experienced by the New Roads (La.) Police Department.

After the department's building was destroyed by fire in 2007 — along with several duty handguns — budgetary constraints prohibited replacement of the lost guns. Additionally, the duty weapons currently in use by the New Roads PD are over 10 years old; parts from damaged guns were in use to keep the weapons safe and working.

Upon learning of the situation, Ken Pfau, vice president of law enforcement and commercial sales at FNH USA, donated 27 FNP pistols to the New Roads PD, so that every sworn officer could have a brand new duty pistol at his or her disposal.

"There are a lot of law enforcement agencies out there struggling with reduced funding right now. This was an instance where we could really make an impact and help this department, and we were glad to do it," said Pfau.

Chief Kevin McDonald expressed his gratitude for the donation.

"We were in the process of doing our 10-year phase out, which is a longer time than most departments keep their firearms, and here comes FNH. [It was] a blessing in disguise," McDonald said. "As with most small agencies, we operate on a modest budget, and this generous donation means a great deal to us."