Today, Ben announced that his Foundation, in association with The Giving Back Fund, will be distributing a grant to the Hagerstown Fire Department near Baltimore, where the Steelers play the Ravens on Thanksgiving night.

ben_foundation_1The Hagerstown Fire Department will use the grant to purchase a trained explosives detection K-9 and training for the new dog’s handler.

Hagerstown Fire Department Chief Kyd Dieterich said, “We are so grateful the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation recognizes this need in our community, and we’re even more excited to have an explosives detection K-9 dedicated to the fire department. This will significantly improve response times for those calls where there’s a greater potential for damage to people and property. With this grant, the Hagerstown Fire Department will be able to provide greater services to our citizens without any cost to the taxpayers.”

In commenting on why the mission of the foundation is so important to him, Ben said, “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.”


You can learn more about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation here, and The Giving Back Fund here.