The Jersey Tactical Claw is fast becoming a must-have tool for emergency responders who need to breach doors in case of active shooter events, fires, and more. AT EAST saved municipalities a total of $8,127 by purchasing the breaching devices, which were developed by Lopatcong-based Jersey Tactical. The following organizations each received three Jersey Tactical Claws in 2023 from AT EASE Foundation:
- Somerville PD
- Winfield Park PD
- Randolph Township PD
- Lebanon Township PD
- Ewing Township FD/PD
- Manchester Township EMS
- Piscataway PD
- Edison PD
- Hunterdon County SWAT
- Newark PD SWAT
Founded in 2019 by former Marine and Vietnam War veteran, Pat Grillo, AT EASE Foundation has raised and donated more than $150,000 to the direct assistance for active military, veterans, and first responders. Several additional local 2023 recipients include:
- Clinton Township Police Department K9 Unit: $1,000
- Marine Corp Scholarship fund: $2,000=
- Horses for Forces: $1,000
- Families of veterans and first responders in need: $5,000
The nonprofit grew out of Swing For A Cause, an annual charity golf outing at Beaver Brook Country Club in Clinton that Grillo launched through his former company, Atrion, in 2009. The foundation has since expanded to include annual fundraising holiday concerts and tequila tastings that often honor local veterans. In 2024, AT EASE also plans to launch a scholarship program for students of first responders and veterans.
“I served in the United States Marine Corps., spending 13 months as part of Marine Air Group 12 (MAG12) based in Chu Lai, Republic of South Vietnam. Since I was one of the lucky service people to come home in one piece and with all my faculties, I always had a desire to help those not as fortunate,” said Grillo. “It is my hope that, through this organization, we will continue to provide much needed support to the active military, veterans, first responders, and those who sacrifice daily to keep us safe.”
AT-EASE Foundation is a New Jersey based 501(c)3 dedicated to helping our Heroes put their minds AT EASE through financial support, resources, and scholarships for veterans, active military, first responders, and their families.
