Wilmington Police Department Secures $50,000 Grant to Enhance Public Safety Initiatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wilmington, MA Police Department Secures $50,000 Grant to Enhance Public Safety Initiatives

Wilmington, MA — November 20, 2022

The Wilmington Police Department is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Edward J. Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, a federal initiative administered by the Department of Justice through the Office of Grants and Research (OGR).

The grant funds will be allocated to enhance officer safety through the provision of active shooter training for our dedicated police personnel. Additionally, the funds will be utilized to acquire state-of-the-art ballistic equipment for both officers and department vehicles, ensuring the highest level of safety and preparedness for our law enforcement team.

Chief Joseph Desmond expressed his gratitude for this significant grant, stating, “This funding will directly impact the safety of our officers and the community we serve. While we hope never to face an active shooter event, this type of training and equipment ensure that our officers will be prepared to face any threat they come against.”

The Wilmington Police Department extends heartfelt thanks to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research for their role in facilitating this grant. Chief Desmond remarked, “We are incredibly thankful for the support from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research. Their dedication to enhancing public safety initiatives is commendable, and we look forward to putting these funds to good use.”

The Department also acknowledges the instrumental efforts of State Representative David Robertson and State Senator Barry Finegold in securing this grant. Chief Desmond expressed his appreciation, saying, “Representative Robertson and Senator Finegold have been staunch advocates for our community. Their tireless efforts in securing these funds will have a lasting impact on the safety of our officers and the Wilmington community at large.”

The grant funding was part of $5 million in funding that was awarded to 130 Police Department across the state by the Healey-Driscoll Administration. Grant reviewers identified projects that aligned with specific priority areas, including strategies to address unlawful drug use, human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, gang and gun violence, missing person cases, and hate crimes. Additional priorities funded by this grant include technology upgrades, investigative tools and protective gear, school safety and security, and efforts to advance racial equity and support underserved communities.

The Wilmington Police Department remains committed to serving and protecting our community, and these grant funds represent a significant step forward in fulfilling that commitment.

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