The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) announced on Tuesday it is donating $25,000 to a police charity in honor of fallen officers.
The donation will go to the Fraternal Order of Police Foundation. The NSSF said the donation reflected the close working relationship between the firearms industry and law enforcement. It described the gift as the latest show of support in a long-running partnership.
"Members of the firearms industry are proud to stand with the brave men and women of law enforcement across this great nation who every day put their lives on the line to serve and protect our citizens," said Lawrence Keane, NSSF senior vice president. "As a former prosecutor and son of a New York City policeman, I am especially thankful for the opportunity to have our industry contribute to this worthy cause."
The firearms industry and law enforcement cooperate on a number of joint ventures. NSSF's "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" program educates gun dealers and buyers on how to prevent straw purchases. The group has also distributed more than 39 million gun locks to civilians with the help of more than 15,000 law enforcement projects as a part of Project ChildSafe. It also commonly matches reward money offered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in cases involving break-ins at gun stores.
"The ongoing professional relationship between law enforcement and NSSF members extends well beyond the purchasing of firearms, ammunition, and related products," the group's statement said. "NSSF has long partnered with law enforcement on programs to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms and to encourage the safe handling and storage of firearms."
The NSSF's annual trade show also features an entire section dedicated to firearms products designed for law enforcement.
The Fraternal Order of Police Foundation said the donation will help keep the memories of fallen officers alive.
"The consistent strong support of the NSSF is invaluable in our effort to ensure that officers killed in the line of duty are never forgotten and that their families are always cared for," said Chuck Canterbury, the foundation's president.