Recognizing law enforcement during National Police Week

May 15, 2026

During National Police Week, Norfolk Southern recognized police departments in Lorain, Ohio; St. Clair County, Ala.; and Duquesne, Pa., through appreciation luncheons and Safety First grants supporting new public safety tools and equipment.

Through our Safety First grant program, the departments received funding for critical safety equipment designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities. The check presentations took place during luncheons attended by officers, community leaders, and Norfolk Southern Community Impact Ambassadors.

Why it matters: Law enforcement plays a critical role in keeping communities safe. Supporting their work and recognizing their service helps strengthen the partnerships that protect people and communities every day.

Supporting local police departments

Each department received funding tailored to the unique needs of its community and response environment.

Lorain Police Department (Ohio) received $15,000 to support a Mobile Drone Command Vehicle, providing real-time access to drone feeds, mapping tools, and emergency communications during critical incidents.
The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department (Ala.) received a $15,000 grant to purchase a public-safety drone with thermal imaging, night-flight capability, and real-time video transmission to support search and rescue, incident response, and infrastructure inspections.
The Duquesne Police Department (Pa.) received a $10,000 grant to purchase a multi-purpose UTV, improving its rapid-response capabilities in hard-to-access areas during police, fire, and EMS emergencies.

Lorain Police Department receives the $15,000 Norfolk Southern Safety First grant.

Lorain Police Department members inside Mobile Drone Command Vehicle

Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley joined the celebration and took a seat inside the department’s new Mobile Drone Command Vehicle, purchased with support from Norfolk Southern’s 2026 grant.

Duquesne PD receives NS Safety First grant

Duquesne Police Department receives the $10,000 Norfolk Southern Safety First grant.

St. Clair County Sheriff's Dept receives NS Safety First grant

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department receives the $15,000 Norfolk Southern Safety First grant, presented by NSPD Special Agent Matthew Wade.

What they’re saying

“This grant has been instrumental in providing our office with the resources necessary to serve the citizens of St. Clair County more effectively. This support is a testament to the strong partnership between our office and the community, allowing us to enhance the safety of our deputies and ensure we are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of our county with excellence.” – Sheriff Billy J. Murray, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department

“As the Assistant Chief, we are extremely grateful for this grant funding and the investment being made into the safety of the City of Duquesne. The addition of the UTV will significantly enhance our department's ability to respond quickly and safely to any emergency in areas that are difficult to access with regular patrol vehicles, specifically the bike and walking trail and community events. With the gracious grant funding, this UTV will strengthen our public safety capabilities, improve response times, and help us better serve and protect our residents. As a department, we sincerely appreciate the support and partnership with Norfolk Southern that made this possible." – Assistant Chief Karra Vance, Duquesne Police Department

“The Lorain Police Department has always been grateful for its strong partnership with Norfolk Southern. Recently, Norfolk Southern and the Lorain Police Department partnered together and were awarded the ‘Safety First Grant.’ This grant significantly helped fund the purchase of a state-of-the-art Polaris Ranger side-by-side ATV. The new vehicle will be utilized to patrol areas surrounding the Norfolk Southern rail lines, as well as other undeveloped and difficult-to-access areas throughout the city. It is with great pride and sincere gratitude that we recognize and celebrate this partnership with Norfolk Southern during the 2026 National Police Week.” — Deputy Chief A.J. Mathewson, Lorain Police Department

“National Police Week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication and service of law enforcement officers who work every day to keep our communities safe. Through moments like these and our Safety First grants, we’re able to show our appreciation and continue building strong partnerships with the departments we work alongside.” – Kristin Wong, Director Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact

The bigger picture

NS works closely with community partners to support safety, preparedness, and response across our 22-state network. Through the Safety First Grant Program, we support first responders and organizations that work to prevent and prepare for emergencies, promote safe behavior, and help community members get home safely each day.

Learn more about how we support law enforcement and community safety here.

By Kasandra Jenkins, Communications Manager

Kasandra Jenkins assists with external communications for Norfolk Southern as a Communications Manager, focusing on community impact, awards, and media relations. Kasandra joined NS in 2025, with more than 10 years of media relations, and corporate/crisis communications experience.