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Grants help small police departments in Madison County

Written on . Posted in Economic Development & Planning, News.

Nearly $100,000 in grant funds are going to police departments in New Hope and Triana in Madison County to help buy new, much needed equipment like body cameras, computers, and more.

TARCOG assisted both departments with applications for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, said Lee Terry, director of Economic Development and Planning.

Lee said the Town of Triana was awarded $48,650 to make purchases or upgrades to equipment like computers, body cameras, firearms and patrol car equipment, including a portable automated external defibrillator (AED) which can be used to assist with heart-related emergencies. Because of the small town’s rural location, police are often the first time-critical responder to arrive on scene’s involving medical emergencies.

Police Chief Gary Powell said the funds will help the two-officer department with two current openings keep up with the town’s population explosion. Triana grew from 496 to 4,300 residents between 2010 and 2023.

“This funding means a lot to a small department like ours,” Powell said.

Lee said The City of New Hope was awarded $41,682.32 to purchase six new body-cameras, and six hand-held tasers.

The new equipment will significantly improve the department’s ability to respond to pressing public safety concerns within New Hope and the surrounding the communities, Lee said. The town is located along US Hwy 431, a major thoroughfare between DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, and Marshall counties. The location brings a substantial influx of motorists during peak commuting hours, which often requires extensive use of New Hope’s law enforcement resources.

“We appreciate this and the help from TARCOG staff who helped us get this grant to update our cameras and tasers,” said New Hope Police Sgt. Tim Garrett. “It will assist us in our daily duties as we assist our community.”