MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $127,722 to help six law enforcement agencies in northeast Alabama purchase new or update existing equipment.
“New equipment can help police and sheriff’s deputies be better prepared for what they may face on any given day as they work to protect and serve our communities,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to assist these departments and offices in their efforts to keep their officers and communities safe.”
The town of Somerville in Morgan County is using $22,188 to purchase vehicle search lights, weapon racks, radios, shotgun security cabinets and other equipment to meet the needs of the Somerville Police Department.
The Marshall County Commission is using $24,000 to purchase new portable radios for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. The new radios will be part of a compliance project meant to allow first responder agencies to communicate with each other across the state regardless of what band frequency they operate on.
The town of Gurley in Madison County is using $23,998 to purchase body cameras, Tasers, radars, spike strips and bullet proof vests with carriers and accessories for the Gurley Police Department.
With $9,861 in grant funds, the DeKalb County Commission will purchase enough Tasers to fully equip every deputy on staff with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.
A $23,914 grant to the city of Albertville in Marshall County will assist in replacing outdated laptops mounted in Albertville Police Department patrol vehicles. The current computers are nearly 10 years old and not compatible with new software and have limited hardware capabilities.
The city of Hartselle in Morgan County will use $23,760 in grant funds to assist in the purchase of new dash-mounted radars for the Hartselle Police Department to replace older hand-held radars.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA manages a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation and water resources management.
“Gov. Ivey and ADECA support the efforts of these cities and counties to assist their officers and deputies in serving and protecting their communities,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
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