Roethlisberger Announces Boston K-9 Grant

Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
Announces Boston K-9 Grant
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(Pittsburgh, PA) – November 28, 2008 - Findlay, Ohio native and Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced today the sixth grant in the 2008 grant cycle of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund. The grant will be distributed to the Boston Police Department K-9 Unit in Boston, Massachusetts.  The department is seeking financial assistance for the purchase of K-9 vehicle bailout systems, which attach to the rear door of police vehicles and enable an officer to automatically release the canine from the vehicle in case of emergency. This is a critical piece of equipment for canine and officer safety.
 
This NFL seasonThe Ben Roethlisberger Foundationwill be distributing grants to Police and Fire Departments in Pittsburgh and in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away opponent for the Steelers in 2008. The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation invited police and fire departments in the nine cities to submit proposals detailing their needs.
 
In commenting on why the mission of the foundation is so important to him, Roethlisberger said, "Last year it was an honor and a privilege to work with police and fire departments in and around the Pittsburgh area as well as with others around the country.  We have had the opportunity to see first-hand how important the dogs are to these men and women who risk their lives every day to protect us.  It's incredible to see the strong bond that is formed between the dogs and their partners both on the job and at home. "
 
Upon hearing the news that their department would receive this grant, Sergeant Francis Flynn of the Boston Police stated, "On behalf of the Boston Police K9 Unit, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ben Roethlisberger and the Foundation for their generosity and dedication to public safety.  This grant will allow us to secure equipment that will greatly enhance both officer and canine safety. This is the second year we have received this grant, and we continue to be so impressed with Ben's dedication to supporting our community. "
 
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation seeks to provide support for police and fire departments throughout the US and to enhance the quality of life for residents of Findlay, OH and Pittsburgh, PA.
 
For more information about theBen Roethlisberger Foundationor The Giving Back Fund, please contact Stephanie Sandler or visitwww.bigben7.comorwww.givingback.org*