Jacobs Delivers Public Protection Funds to Four Local Police Departments

(Buffalo, NY) – New York State Senator Chris Jacobs (60th SD) presented ceremonial checks to four local police departments today to enhance local law enforcement efforts. The four grants totaled more than $60,000. 

Since taking office, Jacobs and his staff have undertaken an exhaustive research effort, looking at all past state grants to localities to make sure the state actually made payment. “Through this research we discovered that these local police departments were awarded grants several years ago but the money was never paid. Now they will be,” said Jacobs.  “This week is National Police Week.  Finally delivering this critical public safety funding sends a strong message to local law enforcement that we appreciate all that they do to keep us safe,” the Senator added.

The four departments that are receiving funding are Hamburg Town and Village Police departments, as well as the Town of Evans and the City of Tonawanda Departments.

The Town of Hamburg will be purchasing a new patrol vehicle with their money.  “The Town of Hamburg Police Department would like to thank Senator Jacobs for ensuring the receipt of these public protection funds,” said Chief Gregory Wickett.  “Resources are tight everywhere, and the new vehicle we purchase with these dollars will improve our fleet and enhance the safety of our community and our officers.”

The City of Tonawanda intends to use their funding on new radios for their patrol cars and new portable radios for each officer.  “Effective communications are critical to ensuring rapid response and the safety of the public at large, as well as law enforcement personnel,” said Chief William Strassburg.  “The patrol car and portable radios we will be purchasing with these monies will allow us to maintain and improve our communications tools, and we thank Senator Jacobs for his efforts.”

The Town of Evans will be using their allocation on computer and communications equipment.   “Like every other field, effective law enforcement is becoming more and more technology driven, and there are costs associated with staying abreast of equipment and programs,” said Chief Douglas Czora.  “We are grateful to Senator Jacobs for securing these funds for our department, and we will make very good use of the computer and communications equipment that will be purchased with them.”

The Village of Hamburg will be using their funds on the purchase of new license plate readers.  “I want to thank Senator Jacobs for his hard work in delivering these funds to the Village of Hamburg Police Department,” said Chief Michael Melisz.  “The license plate readers we will be purchasing are a very effective law enforcement tool that will be used by our officers in a wide range of activities from enforcement of public safety and vehicle & traffic laws to crime investigations.”