KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Rothlisberger isn’t likely to be the most popular player in the stadium when the Steelers face off against the Kansas City Chiefs next weekend, but on Wednesday he made some new friends at the Kansas City Police Department thanks to a gift from his charitable foundation.
The Ben Rothlisberger Foundation on Wednesday announced that the KCPD will be getting a grant from the foundation that will allow the department to purchase a new K-9 unit, allowing one of the department’s current older dogs to retire.
According to the KCPD in a statement, the new canine’s skill will be put to work on the national stage during the 2012 MLB All-Star Game and at presidential candidate events in the upcoming year.
The grant is one of several the foundation is distributing to police and fire departments in the cities and surrounding communities of each Steelers regular season away game. The foundation supports K-9 in police and fire departments across the U.S.
“The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is thrilled to be receiving this award from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation. The money will be used to purchase a dual purpose canine for both patrol work and bomb detection. We have a great need for a young energetic pup to take the place of a very experienced dog that will be retired this year,” said KCPD Commander Kevin O’Sullivan in a statement.
The foundation invited police and fire departments from across the country to submit proposals for grants.
“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,” said Rothlisberger in a statement.
The Chiefs will play the Steelers at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
