Senator Fred Akshar Announces Public Protection Funding Across the 52nd Senate District

Senator Fred Akshar joined local officials from the Broome and Tioga County Sheriff's Offices, the City of Binghamton, City of Norwich and the Village of Johnson City and the Crime Victims Assistance Center to announce public protection state grants to aid local municipalities, police and fire departments purchase equipment, expand services and strengthen community outreach.

“Our community is fortunate to have a strong and supportive relationship with law enforcement and emergency services,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “I want to make sure I do my part as state senator to help strengthen that relationship, increase transparency and give our police and emergency services the tools they need to better protect and serve our community.”

Twenty-four grants totaling over $300,000 will be spread across local agencies in Broome, Tioga Chenango and Delaware counties. Each grant's purpose is unique to the department, with uses ranging from substance abuse counseling for the Broome County Sheriff's Office to body cameras for the Norwich Police Department to technology upgrades for the City of Binghamton and Village of Johnson City police departments.

“The Binghamton Police Department will utilize this grant to bolster our community outreach programs and invest in new technology to improve crime scene investigations in the field,” said Mayor Richard C. David. “Local law enforcement has a true friend in Senator Fred Akshar.”

“The Norwich Police Department will use this grant funding to acquire the necessary equipment to implement a body-worn camera program,” said Norwich City Police Chief Rodney Marsh. “If it wasn’t for Senator Akshar securing these funds, the Norwich Police wouldn’t be able to establish such a program.”

“The Village of Johnson City Police department will use these funds to upgrade our in car technology and to launch our body camera program,” said Johnson City Mayor Greg Deemie. “We have a true advocate for law enforcement in Senator Akshar.”

“This grant will assist our continuing fight against opioid abuse in two very important ways,” said Broome County Undersheriff Eric Janis. “It will help us provide additional substance abuse counseling in the jail in an effort to break the pattern of substance abuse that leads to re-incarceration. It will also let us improve the naloxone kits our Deputies carry on patrol.”

“With this funding, we'll be able to move forward in purchasing much-needed evidence collection equipment and an evidence vehicle,” said Tioga County Sheriff Gary Howard. “Senator Akshar's an excellent partner in protecting and serving our community.”

The grants also include funding for the domestic violence and legal services through the Crime Victims Assistance Center and A New Hope Center.

"Today, Senator Akshar has stepped up to help victims of domestic violence and their children,” said Crime Victims Assistance Center Executive Director Raini Baudendistel. “Because of his efforts, the Crime Victims Assistance Center, is able to continue providing necessary services and support to any Broome County resident who reaches out to us."

“These grants are about helping protect our families, but they also help keep taxes low by easing the burden on local government,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “That savings is passed on to the taxpayers across the 52nd Senate District.”

Grants are administered through the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Full List of Grants:

Police Grants:
City of Norwich Police Department $50,000 - Body Cameras
Village of Johnson City Police Department $50,000 - In-Car Technology Upgrades and Body Cameras
Broome County Sheriff’s Office $25,000 - Substance Abuse Counseling, Narcan Nasal Spray and Community Outreach
Chenango County Sheriff’s Office $25,000 - Prescription Drug Drop Boxes and Child ID System
City of Binghamton Police Department $25,000 - Handheld Digital 3D Scanner for Crime Scenes and Overtime for Community and Minority Outreach Program
Tioga County Sheriff’s Office $25,000 - Evidence Collection Vehicle and Supplies
Village of Hancock Police Department $5,000 - Radio Communication and Video Recording System Upgrades

Fire Department Grants:
Afton Hose Company $5,000 - Utility Truck for Towing, Brush Fire and Traffic Control
Berkshire Fire District $5,000 - Radio Equipment
Coventry Volunteer Fire Co. $5,000 - SCBA Bottles and Fire Equipment
Genegantslet Fire Company, Inc. $5,000 - Structural and Woodland Firefighting Hoses
Glen Aubrey Fire Company, Inc. $5,000 - Updated Fire Police and Communication Equipment
Guilford Fire District $5,000 - Emergency Shelter Improvements
Lisle Fire Company $5,000 - Equipment
Nichols Fire Department $5,000 - EMS Equipment
Ouaquaga Fire Co., Inc. $5,000 - Thermal Imaging Equipment
Preston Fire Department $5,000 - Extraction Equipment
Richford Fire Department $5,000 - Radio Equipment
Triangle Fire Co., Inc. $5,000 - Safety Equipment
Village of Deposit Fire Department $5,000 - A.E.D. & Rescue Equipment
Village of Whitney Point Fire Department $5,000 - Replacement Motor on Fire Rescue Boat

Crime Victims Support Grants
Crime Victims Assistance Center - $20,000 - Civil Criminal Domestic Violence Legal Services
A New Hope Center - $15,000 - Domestic Violence Services
Crime Victims Assistance Center - $10,000 - Domestic Violence Services