Seagraves PD receives equipment grant

by Eric

Seagraves PDThe Seagraves Police Department got a bit of good news recently when it was announced the department had been awarded a grant in the amount of $79,500 for both equipment upgrades as well as equipment replacements.

The grant award notification was received on Sept. 6 and the funds will be used to purchase surveillance equipment, a replacement SUV, and a special purpose vehicle such as a small all-terrain vehicle.

“This grant is for things like night vision and a specialty vehicle,” Seagraves Police Chief Scott McAuley said. “We had a hard time getting around through the flood and snow storms, so we need something for that.”

McAuley said the SPD applied for the grant back in January or February and the money should be accessible by Oct. 1. This isn’t the first time the police department has gotten this particular grant. They also received $69,000 last year. The grant money received was used to purchase crime scene cameras as well as purchasing equipment to replace older office computers as well as replacing computers in the patrol cars.

They were also recently awarded a military surplus vehicle, but have yet to choose one. McAuley said the vehicle will also help them during any storms that might be coming to the area.

“We are still looking we want a pretty good one,” he said. “It should really help with rougher weather.”

As for other Seagraves happenings, the upcoming National Night Out is just around the corner.

“It’s a crime prevention night people come out of their house and they are not afraid to come out on the streets,” McAuley said. “It’s showing that we are there.”

The event will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4. McAuley said there will be games, face painting, music and free food.

Most importantly, it will be a fun and safe time. McAuley said when the event first started taking place three years ago in Seagraves, less than 100 people showed. But, that all changed last year as more than 700 people came out to celebrate. McAuley said even more people are expected this year.

“It really is a big deal,” he said.

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