Resourceful Patrolman Secures Tactical Breaching Equipment Grant

Patrolman Nathan Bagshaw of the Cranston Police Department is the department's Special Reaction Team Operator.

When it comes time to get entry into a building during an emergency, they're the ones who put their lives on the line to get through the front door.

As you can imagine, the tools for the job don't come cheap. And thanks to Bagshaw, who took it upon himself to scour the Internet for grant funding, the team now has $1,500 worth of new equipment  — at no cost to taxpayers.

"This is above and beyond the scope of his normal responsibility," said Cranston Police Major Robert W. Ryan. "But it is a testament to his steadfast commitment to the Cranston Police Department and the officers he so proudly serves with."

Bagshaw came across a scholarship opportunity through the Stephen House Scholarship program.

The scholarship was founded to honor the memory of Stephen House, an officer with the Titusville Police Department in Florida who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1989 while serving a high-risk narcotics search warrant.

Teams from across the country are invited to compete for the scholarship each year and nearly 500 applied.

There is just one winner, and this year, it's the Cranston Police Department.

Ryan thanked Bagshaw for his efforts, noting the equipment is much needed will serve the team well.

"I would also like to thank American Tactical Entry Accessories Manufacturing and the SWAT Life: Brothers for Adversity organization for providing this opportunity in memory of a true hero in Officer Stephen House and recognizing the Cranston Police Department as worthy of this fine award," Ryan said.