Seward Announces Schoharie Police Grant

SCHOHARIE, 10/17/08 -- Joined by Schoharie County Sheriff John Bates, Jr. and Cobleskill Police Chief Michael O'Brien at the sheriff's office, State Senator James L. Seward (R/I/C-Oneonta) today announced a $10,000 senate grant to help purchase equipment for the departments' cooperative efforts in executing warrants for violent offenders.

"This is about keeping our streets safer, our officers safer, and reducing pressure on the county's and village's budgets," Seward said. "Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day. Every single time they make a traffic stop or execute a warrant, they face the reality of random and predatory violence. We want to be sure that they are safe and that a community is protected when they have to knock on doors and arrest drug suspects or violent felons."
 
The sheriff's department and Cobleskill Police Department jointly investigate and arrest drug dealers and violent felons. The senate funding will be used to purchase temporary area barricades, signs, lighting and communications equipment to help police officers more effectively and safely execute arrest or search warrants.

"Anytime we initiate a police action like executing warrants, police administrators must be concerned about the public's safety as well as the officers', "said Sheriff John Bates, Jr. "The senate grant obtained by Sen. Seward will provide essential equipment to keep officers and the community safe. We appreciate his ongoing commitment to Schoharie County."

"The senate funding meets locally identified needs that would not be possible without state assistance," Senator Seward said. "When it comes to local governments and fire departments in particular, the senate aid reduces pressure on tax rates and tight budgets, especially in rural areas."

Seward said the money was included in the current state budget.

"I am glad that the senate could assist," Seward concluded.