The Bruce Police Department has improved its armory thanks to a generous donation by two local citizens.
Officer Bryan Roberts said Josh Bennett and Johnny Kakales donated five Benelli shotguns to the police department last week.
“This was a big upgrade for us,” Roberts said. “We’re very grateful to both of them.”
The department had a pair of Mossberg shotguns previously that were less accurate and much heavier than the Benellis.
“If those situations arise where you have to carry one for two to three hours, it makes a big difference with these Benellis,” Roberts said.
Roberts described the Benellis as more “tactical” shotguns which much better accuracy. That accuracy will be tested in the coming weeks when all of the Bruce policemen will go get certified with the guns.
“Bryan (Roberts), Mark (Hendrix) and Tony (Sockwell) are all NRA qualifiers right now,” Bruce Police Chief Stan Evans said. “My goal is to have the entire department certified.”
The donation of five guns will now allow for each full-time officer to have access to one.
“We want our officers to have the best weapons available to do their job,” Evans said. “We hope to never have to use them, but if the situation arises, we want to have the best equipment and best training.”
Evans said they are working to acquire more “non-deadly” forms of riot control equipment, such as Tasers and sprays.
“You always want deadly force to be the last resort,” Evans said.
“We really appreciate Josh and Johnny making this donation,” Evans said. “They have always been great supporters of law enforcement and this makes a big difference for our department.”
