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Gunmaker provides state-of-the art weapons for police force

Date: 11/15/2010

Nov. 15, 2010

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD -- Smith & Wesson continued a tradition last week the internationally known gunmaker started in 1899 supplying the Springfield Police Department with state-of-the art firearms.

At the turn of the century, the company gave the department its .38 Special pistols. Last week the company donated 580 M&P40 pistols. The donation has a value of over $270,000.

Police Commissioner William Fitchet said the donation represents "a lot of money the police department doesn't have to expend from its budget."

He added, "It saves the taxpayers a lot of money."

James Debney, president of the company's firearms division, spoke of the company's history and said the donation "strengthened that reputation in or own community."

Over 100,000 officers in 675 law enforcement departments currently use the M&P40 pistol nationally, Debney said.

The M&P line of firearms was introduced in 2005 and has proven to be very popular, Paul Pluff, director of marketing services for the company, said.

He demonstrated the gun features a removable grip that comes in several sizes, allowing an officer to customize his or her gun to the best fit.

Debney presented Fitchet and his deputy chiefs with their own guns especially engraved for them.

Debney noted the first time the Springfield Police department allowed its officers to carry guns -- they had to purchase their own firearm -- was in 1856 and undoubtedly many of them carried Smith & Wesson pistols.

Mayor Domenic Sarno thanked the company for its donation, and noted with a smile, "You notice their didn't give me a sidearm. I could be dangerous in budget meetings."



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