Lt. Eric Eslary, a 17-year veteran of the Ligonier Township Police Department, was killed on the evening of May 5th, 2015 when a driver crossed into oncoming lanes and struck his patrol vehicle.

His K-9 partner, Blek, refused to leave his partner’s side, even though he was injured in the crash. It was only after the coaxing of his partner’s wife, Mary Beth Taylor-Eslary, that he finally left the lieutenant’s side.

Lt. Eslary had been partnered with Blek since his first K9, Ando, passed away from cancer in 2009. Blek was purchased with the help of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation.


Below is a tribute in photos from Lt. Eslary’s wife, Mary Beth, and his K9 partner, Blek:































Rest in Peace, Lt. Eslary.


Photos: Christy Boyd

…and in good company as well!!


“Out celebrating Ben’s wife Ashley’s birthday. What a great party.” — Noah Galloway (via Instagram), with his fiance Jamie.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY!!

Regular followers of Ben’s site will remember Zach – he was out there helping Ben at his ProCamps kids football camp last month.

“We enjoy coming every year and Zach loves interacting with the kiddos. You all are amazing for giving him so many blessed memories!” — Kelly Mezger, Zach’s mother.

But now Zach needs your prayers, Steeler Nation!

He is now home recuperating after more than 12 days in the hospital. Zach had brain surgery, as well as a second surgery for an infection that developed afterwards.

“Ben & family, please know how blessed we feel that you all accept and love Zach the way you do. Thank you all for the love, support and allowing him to feel so cool. Blessings!” — Kelly Mezger

If you have a Twitter account, give him a personal shout-out at @coachzman . You can befriend him on Facebook here!


Also…

Please take a few minutes to read this beautiful story about Zach from Aaron Fitt, at D1Baseball.com!

This Steelers fan couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw Big Ben at O’Hare Airport in Chicago this week!


“I’ve been a DIEHARD fan of Ben’s since his days of being a Redhawk!!! I knew right away at the Airport that was him…but was too scared to ask for a photo with him, so I made my wife go up to him instead (heehee)!

“Ben, thanks for taking the time to take a picture with me at Chicago O’Hare Airport…Hopefully I didn’t bring any attention towards you!” — Chad Hyke



Chad, thank you for sharing your photo with us!


And speaking of photos, you can see some great additions to Ben’s gallery from last weekend’s Collector’s Showcase of America show here.

And Steeler Nation painted the town (of Chantilly) Black & Gold!

It looked more like downtown Pittsburgh when the doors opened up at the Collector’s Showcase of America Summer Show this morning as a sea of Steelers fans rushed in! And Ben was ready for ’em when he sat down to sign autographs and pose for photos – here are just a few that were shared with us:



“Today was one of the BEST days this year I have had so far this….I got to meet Big Ben & I am on cloudy nine!! Thank you Ben for taking time out to take this pic with me…as you can tell I was really excited! Stay healthy!! #GoSteelers”. — Nadjejd “DeeDee” Scott



“What a dream come true! After Ben shook my hand, I couldn’t help but give him a hug. I’ve been a Steelers fan all of my life, but Ben is my all time favorite player. So happy I was finally able to meet him and get my jersey signed, and even happier that he gave me a hug! Thanks Ben, you are the best!” — Tara Henderson



8 year old Will, a Big Redhawks fan & a Big Ben fan: “Ben was awesome today!” — Michael Spiers



“After waiting 11 years I finally got to meet my favorite football player. Getting up at 3am and driving all the way to Virginia was completely worth it!!” — Taylor Moore



That’s David, Nathan and Natalie Hanks with Big Ben: “A big thank you to Ben for making my son see that his hero is a genuinely great man!” — Lura Hanks



Jake & Big Ben: “Best day ever! First in line to get a pic with Ben. He was so nice!!!” — Monica (Diehard fans from West Virginia)



“I must say, it was worth the 6-1/2 hour round trip drive from Horsham, PA!! I didn’t faint, Ben was super nice AND I got to stand on my ‘good […]

The 2015 World Police & Fire Games concluded last week in Fairfax County, VA. But what are the World Police & Fire Games, you ask?

It’s 12,000 professional, public safety athletes from 70 countries competing in 60 plus sports to qualify for over 1,600 medal events!

In 1985, the World Police & Fire Games Federation, a non-profit organization, run by the Californian Police Athletics Federation, established the World Police & Fire Games. Today, the World Police & Fire Games are a spectacular international sporting event, offering police officers, firefighters, customs and correction officers from around the world an opportunity to showcase their athletic excellence in over 65 sporting events.

And how does this have anything to do with Big Ben?

Because some of those police officers are of the four-legged variety, and one in particular, named Cooper, has a direct link to #7…


From Baynet.com today:

Bronze Medal Winner – Thanks to Ben Roethlisberger Foundation

Cooper, a handsome two-year-old Belgian Malinois, and one of the newest members of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit. Cooper made his first appearance in competition during the Police/Fire World Games and his debut was rather impressive; he earned a spot on the podium by winning a bronze medal for his work in narcotics detection in vehicles. And Cooper has an interesting background: He came to the Agency last fall after Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tossed a grant to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office worth $6,800 as part of his longtime commitment to enhancing K9 units for police and fire departments throughout the country.

Cooper took over the job duties of Cpl. Cuyler’s longtime K9 partner, Atos, who recently retired due to age, medical conditions and longevity of service. Cooper spent the last several months in school and graduated from training last week. In fact, Cooper graduated with an A+ in narcotics detection which is equivalent to 100 percent in all five field trials. He is certified in narcotics detection and patrol canine services. “Cooper is a great dog! He’s been a great partner and I look forward to many years of excellent work from him,” said Cpl. Cuyler.

“I’m so impressed with our K9 Unit. Their handlers work hard day in and day out to maintain superior control of the dogs. Mr. Billy […]