Submitted Photo Officers with the Westfield Police Department are transitioning their current duty issued sidearm, from the Glock, model 22 to the Glock model 19, which is in part being funded by the National Rifle Association’s Foundation’s issued grant.

WESTFIELD – The members of the Westfield Police Department are about to get an upgrade with their assigned duty weapon, thanks in part to a grant awarded by the National Rifle Association Foundation.

“We’re phasing out our older Glock 22, 40 caliber sidearms and transitioning to the Glock 19, 9 mm. caliber duty weapon as a department,” said Chief Corbin S. Meleen. “The grant we received from the NRA will pay for all our ammunition for the year and the leftover money will be used for training -like range time.”

Meleen said there are several benefits to the change.

“Many law enforcement departments are switching to the 9 mm.,” said Meleen. “Tactically, it makes sense for us all (law enforcement agencies) to be using the same caliber weapon system, plus the ammunition is much cheaper than our 40 caliber weapons use.”

Meleen also went on to explain the long-standing support his department has received in the past from the NRA Foundation.

“We’ve received several grants from the NRA in the past,” he said. “We are very excited about receiving the grant and pleased that the NRA has made an investment in our community.”