MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $627,110 to assist five police and sheriffs’ departments in upgrading or purchasing new equipment to improve public safety.
The grants to police departments in Fort Payne, Cordova and Repton and sheriffs’ departments in Walker and Montgomery counties are designed to help those law enforcement agencies work more effectively and efficiently.
“Our law enforcement officers are often called upon to put their lives on the line to protect others,” Gov. Ivey said. “These grants will provide needed equipment upgrades to enable law enforcement personnel to perform their duties more safely and efficiently.”
The Fort Payne Police Department will use a $150,000 grant to upgrade its technology to help the department and all law enforcement in DeKalb County respond quicker and be more prepared in emergency situations, including those pertaining to violent situations.
The city of Cordova was awarded a $104,424 grant to upgrade its records management and dispatching systems. The improvements will aid the department in responding to emergencies and solving crimes.
The town of Repton was awarded a $73,687 grant that will enable the police department to make multiple major equipment upgrades to enhance the wellbeing of residents and the safety of officers.
The Walker County Commission was awarded a $149,000 grant to install a new intercom system in the Walker County Jail. County officials say the system is vital for the safety of both jail employees and county inmates. The current system was installed in 1997 and inmates are currently unable to call for assistance from their dorms.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department will use a $150,000 grant to purchase field laboratory equipment for fentanyl and other dangerous chemicals used in drug manufacturing. The department also plans to purchase personal protection equipment for deputies in danger of coming into contact with the substances.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“These grants will be used to equip these departments with improvements that each department identified as some of its most pressing needs,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to be a part of this program that benefits the officers and deputies of these departments.”
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
