RPD gets grant for equipment, dog

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
The Russellville Police Department will be able to purchase several new pieces of equipment soon thanks to a $25,000 grant.
Gov. Bob Riley notified local officials this week that the department had been awarded the funding.
The money is being made available by the U.S. Department of Justice, but will be administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
"Law enforcement agencies across Alabama are called upon daily to protect and serve those in their communities and often they are required to place their lives in danger," Riley said.
"It is essential that we supply them with reliable equipment and transportation enabling them to efficiently perform their jobs."
Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said the department is looking into buying several things with the money, including a second canine dog, new tasers and stop sticks.
"Without these grants there are some things that we wouldn't be able to get," Hargett said.
"The city can't buy everything at one time and we would never be able to get enough.
"This will allow us to make sure more people have access to the equipment."