“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.” — Ben


Today, Ben announced the first grant of the 2012-13 season from The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund.

The Foundation will be distributing a grant to the Denver Sheriff’s Department in Denver, CO where the Steelers will play the Broncos this Sunday, September 9th.

The department is seeking financial assistance to purchase a canine trained in explosives detection and the necessary training and certification for the handler. Recently, the department’s existing K9 was used to sweep the theaters after the Aurora shooting tragedy.

During the 2012-13 NFL season, The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation will be distributing grants to K-9 units of police and fire departments in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers. The Foundation will also distribute several grants to the Pittsburgh area and will consider grants to any two non-NFL market cities in the United States if the Steelers make the playoffs. The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation invited police and fire departments across the country to submit proposals detailing their needs.

This marks the sixth season that Ben’s foundation has distributed grants to K-9 units. His foundation not only supports K-9 units of police and fire departments throughout the United States with a particular emphasis on support for service dogs in Pittsburgh, PA , but also supports other charitable organizations, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Denver Sheriff’s Department Division Chief Marie Kielar said, “The benefits to public safety by adding a bomb dog to our team are immeasurable. This dog and his handler will participate in daily sweeps of Denver’s two courthouses; as well as, courtrooms holding high-profile trials, and jury assembly rooms.” Chief Kielar added, “In addition to providing enhanced security for the judiciary, their staff and the public, our new acquisition will serve as a good-will ambassador between the Denver Sheriff’s Department and the citizens we serve.”


You can read more about Ben’s foundation here.

You can check out his Community page here.