VEAZIE, MAINE – The Spirit of Blue Foundation announced yesterday that it has awarded a Safety Equipment Grant to the Veazie Police Department (VPD) for the purchase of two AR-15 style rifles chambered in .223/5.56mm and essential accessories, valued at $3,713.30. The rifles were supplied by Maine rifle manufacturer Windham Weaponry and will initiate the creation of the VPD's patrol rifle program, a capability they do not currently have. Each rifle will come complete with an EOTech Holographic Weapon Sight, Magpul Back-Up Sights and five 30-round PMAG ammunition magazines, and a Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Chest Rig and VCAS sling.

"As the world around us becomes more violent the timing of this award is instrumental, "said Chief Mark Leonard of the Veazie Police Department. " The award of these weapons and accessories will help us fulfill our goal of protecting the great citizens of this community and those that visit shall the need arise."

Funding for the grant was provided by a generous gift from The Dunkin' Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation (DDBRCF), a nonprofit organization of volunteer Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins franchisees and Dunkin' Brands employees that ensure the basic needs of the community are being met in areas of hunger relief, children's health and safety. In total the DDBRCF has enabled Spirit of Blue to make 17 Safety Equipment Grants throughout New England with a total value of more than $100,000.

"There are many valuable tools that modern day law enforcement requires to perform their job safely and effectively," explained Ryan T. Smith, Executive Director of the Spirit of Blue Foundation. "These rifles are a must have for any police agency in America, given the level of threat that is posed to our population from a variety of influencers. Our hope is that the Veazie Police Department never needs the use of these rifles. But, in the event that they do, we are happy they are an available option and for the lives they can protect."

2015 statistics released by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund show that 114 law enforcement officers have already lost their lives this year, an increase of 10% from the same period in the prior year. On average 56 officer deaths are firearm related each year. The reality of these statistics, and the increasing number of underfunded law enforcement agencies across the country, fuel the Spirit of Blue safety grant initiative.

The Spirit of Blue Foundation actively encourages the public at large to honor and appreciate law enforcement officers who serve to protect our communities. By supporting the Spirit of Blue Foundation, the public can make an impact in the lives of law enforcement officers every day. To learn more about the Spirit of Blue, or make a donation, visi www.spiritofblue.com.

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About The Spirit of Blue Foundation

The Spirit of Blue Foundation, based out of Chicago, IL, is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to the enhancement of officer safety and vitality throughout the law enforcement community by promoting public awareness for their protection and fulfilling safety equipment and training needs. The Spirit of Blue Foundation develops and executes fundraising campaigns nationally with the support of partner non-profits, national retailers and private equipment manufacturers. Fundraising proceeds are distributed in the form of Safety Equipment Grants to law enforcement agencies from local to federal levels.

CONTACT:

Ryan T. Smith
Spirit of Blue Foundation
3007 N. California Ave. #2N
Chicago, IL 60618
(585) 662-9032
rsmith@spiritofblue.com