Pugliese foundation grant helps Steubenville police replace outdated equipment

STEUBENVILLE-- City police have been able to replace weapons at the end of their working life with new, state-of-the-art models, thanks to grant funding from the Charles M. and Thelma M. Pugliese Foundation.

The foundation awarded Steubenville Police nearly $50,000 to purchase 14 new, semi-automatic AR15s manufactured in America by Tennessee-based Troy Industries as well as 14 Benilli M4 semi-automatic shotguns.

Police say both can be deployed in active shooter/mass casualty events: Highly accurate, the AR15s replaced 15-year-old models "past their useful life," while the new shotguns replace 20-year-old models that were also starting to wear out.

Each marked cruiser will be equipped with the new tools.

"Hopefully we have never have to deploy and use them," Capt. John Lemal said. "But when an officer is in a life-and-death situation, knowing you have equipment that is going to work properly is crucial."

"Our officers have a dangerous and difficult job," Capt. Wes Crawford, set to be sworn in as the city's next police chief Monday, added. "Any opportunity we have to get funding for modern equipment, that's something we're going to do and the Pugliese Foundation has helped us many times in the past, including providing funding for the department's new wellness center gym in the original city building. They didn't have to help us, but they do."

Trustee Tom Timmons said they try to do the most good they can, providing grant funding to cities, villages, townships, volunteer fire departments, schools and non-profits within 30 miles of N. 4th Street, Steubenville, the guidelines established by the Puglieses when they set up the trust.

"To me, it's important," Timmons said. "The Pugliese's left that trust for us to be able to help those kinds of entities with their needs, that was important to them...and it's wonderful that we've been able to help so many people with what they have going on and their needs."

Chief Ken Anderson, who officially retires Monday, said he appreciates everything the Pugliese Foundation has done for the department and the city over the years.

"Their generosity and support contribute to the safety of our officers and the citizens of Steubenville, and we truly appreciate it," Anderson said.