K9-Unit 7 is now on duty
Our new K9 vehicle recently lettered by local business “De-Zigns” Signs and Decals.
The car has been labeled as Unit 7 with the Steelers emblem on the front for Ben Roethlisberger and the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation as thanks for the generous grant we received earlier this year.
The vehicle has been provided for our use by the Fayette County Bureau of Investigations and District Attorney’s Office.
This marks a significant step forward in the development of CPDK9.
Happy Easter Steeler Nation!
Hope you’re having a Blessed one! — Ben, Ashley, Benjamin, Baylee & Bodie.
Starting the offseason workouts on the right foot
…and the right frame of mind!
“We want to show we are here, dedicated to this team, dedicated to having a great season. We are all about each other.” — Ben.
From Teresa Varley, Steelers.com:
While Monday was the first official day of Phase One of the offseason program, Tuesday is when things really kicked into gear for the Steelers with the day starting with a team meeting.
And it was a packed house at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
“It’s fun to be here first and foremost,” said Ben Roethlisberger. “It’s fun to be out there throwing with the guys. I haven’t thrown a football since the last game of the year, so to be able to get out and get some work with new guys, and guys who have been here, it’s fun first.”
The meeting, and the entire offseason program with the exception of minicamp, are all voluntary and the turnout has been top notch. Roethlisberger, Maurkice Pouncey and Cam Heyward, as well as other veterans such as Vince Williams, Alejandro Villanueva, Sean Davis and countless others, were all there showing their commitment.
“I expect nothing else,” said Roethlisberger.
Having the veterans there has a big impact on the younger players on the roster.
“It’s important right now,” said JuJu Smith-Schuster. “The more time we spend together, the more we can build that trust we have with each other and team building.
“Seeing the young guys here, the older guys here, it’s great. We are just following their path.”
James Conner, who spent part of his offseason working out in the Pitt weight room with Aaron Donald, was energized to be back and focused on getting ready for the season ahead.
“Seeing the young guys, the older guys. It’s great to be back,” said Conner. “You miss it. Everybody likes their free time, but there is nothing like building that camaraderie and being all together.
“And seeing all the veterans here, it shows the focus those guys have and the dedication those guys have to this team, their craft, and the job. Guys don’t have to be here, but they are still here. They like seeing the guys too. Being around this bond we have. It’s great to see the older guys.”
You can read more from Ms. Varley’s interviews here.
Photo:Rebecca Mehling/Steelers
Go fly a kite!
A little Sunday evening kite flying for Baylee…
while Bodie just enjoyed picking weeds! Haha. — Ben.
Oh yeah, it’s a Sharpe lookin’ Sunday
“I believe that every league, team, and player create unique stories worth sharing. My work aims to tell them.” — Matt, from his website.
Working on the Cowboys triplets piece earlier this week got me thinking about the @steelers. Even
with the Killer B’s no more, does anyone doubt this team will put up points? @TeamJuJu x @_BigBen7 x @JamesConner_ …that’s a hell of a trio to build out from 👀💪💪 #Steelers
Let’s “paws” for just a moment
…to recognize the incredible & tireless work by a little lady named Peyton Estochin to help area police department K9 units!
From Peyton’s proud mother, Jessica:
Peyton’s K-9s is a local Pittsburgh mission to raise money for local K-9 units in need. Whether it be medical expenses, vests, heat sensors needed or anything else the handlers may need…Peyton tries to ensure everyone gets what they need with what she can raise! Peyton is 7 years old. She was just 6 when she started this mission. First, she held a Sweet Tea Stand in McKeesport, PA because one of the K9’s (Farkle) had cancer and their medical bills were very high. She hosted this event selling HOMEMADE sweet tea for 2 hours and she raised $700! She donated it directly to the McKeesport K-9 unit. She was recognized after this event with a proclamation from the Mayor of a mcKeesport. It was called “Living the Message Award – honoring those who show Respect, Dignity, Hope & Love” – specifically the “Love” award. She also received a letter from Pennsylvania State Senator Jim Brewster recognizing her hard work and dedication.
She was back at it again with a hot chocolate stand at a local friend’s ice cream shop (Christy Park Cones) in McKeesport PA, because she did not want to wait until summer to host another event. At the end of January, she held a 2-hour event selling HOMEMADE hot chocolate, baked goods & t-shirts and raised $2,400 dollars! We knew then it was time to start really focusing on this mission of hers and making more units in need outside of our hometown of McKeesport a priority.
Since then, we created a website to put events up on as well as continue to sell t-shirts. We partnered with a company based in Georgia called, Nine Line Apparel since they are veteran owned and they created a design just for her mission!
What is Peyton up to next?
She has been invited to a Police Conference sponsored by Blue Line K9 LLC April 23th through 25th. She will be there with her own table selling t-shirts! She is super excited because they are expecting 300-400 police & emergency responders there.
And closer to home […]