Agawam police receive more than $100,000 in grants - CBS 3 Springfield - WSHM

Agawam police receive more than $100,000 in grants

The Agawam Police Department has been awarded two grants that total more than $100,000.

In the past, police have received various grants including money toward improving security at local schools.

This time around, the money will have a more direct impact on the department.

The first of the two grants will go to the purchase of three new vehicles.

Police said they are adding three new Ford Explorers to their fleet.  

The $70,000 grant will fund computers, lighting and caging for the vehicles, as well as improve various things inside police headquarters, such as boosting radio coverage.

The second grant, which is just under $45,000, will be used to train and certify dispatchers.

Mayor Richard Cohen believes this training is vital to public safety.

"It gives them the opportunity, in a medical, professional way, to meet the needs and to make sure things are done correctly in an emergency medical decision," said Cohen.

Cohen added that neither of the two are matching grants, so there is no added expense needed from the town.

The police department applies for many different grants each year.

Sgt. James Donovan told CBS 3 that since 2008, they have received an average of about two grants per year.

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