Chesapeake Energy Corporation is giving back to the community once again in Utica Shale country.  The company recently celebrated 2013 by donating Chevy Tahoes to law enforcement agencies in Columbiana and Carroll counties.  Both counties are highly involved in the Utica Shale play.

The vehicles are specially customized and will help the departments with costs by filling a need for the K9 and SWAT units.  Pete Kenworthy, Manager of Media Relations for Utica operations, explained why Chesapeake chose to donate the vehicles:

Local law enforcement officers play a vital role in our communities, often making personal sacrifices for the betterment of others. We want to do everything we can to provide them with the tools they need to safely do their jobs to the best ability—Pete Kenworthy, Manager, Media Relations

Carroll County has already received their donation and Columbiana County will be accepting their Tahoe tomorrow.  Carroll County Sheriff Dale Williams explained how the donation effects his department:

We are very appreciative of this donation. It saves us about $20,000 and will be used for regular patrol work around the county—Dale Williams, Carroll County Sheriff Dale Williams

Since Chesapeake began its Utica Shale operations, the company has been giving back to Ohio communities.  Through their Operation Blue program, employees donate four hours of work each summer to volunteer in local communities in their operating area.  This past summer, EID visited two Operation Blue sites.  At one site, employees cleared brush at a nature preserve to create a seating area.  At another, the volunteers were created wood platforms for boy scouts to place their tents when the ground is wet.  Chesapeake also helped out during last summer’s storm by clearing debris at a cemetery and donating a generator to a senior citizens center.

Chesapeake is serving Belmont County as well.  Chesapeake employee Jacque Bland serves on the United Way Campaign Cabinet for the county.  Last February, Chesapeake partner DPS Penn donated $5,000 to the Coat Closet in Belmont, keeping them from going out of business.  The organization provides infants, children, and even adults with free winter coats.

The community efforts of Chesapeake are not overlooked and it’s easy to see why they were ranked to FORTUNE Magazine’s Best Companies to Work For list for the sixth consecutive year.  We look forward to covering Chesapeake’s production in the Utica Shale and their community involvement in Ohio.