TOWNSEND — The Townsend Police Department will significantly upgrade its communication abilities thanks to a $32,000 Edward Bryne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.
The grant will enable Townsend Police to buy equipment that will improve interoperability gaps with other law enforcement agencies in the region, including southern New Hampshire. This will improve the ability of officers to communicate seamlessly with other agencies during emergencies and mutual aid incidents.
Reliable, interoperable communications are essential to ensuring coordinated responses to emergencies, protecting the public, and safeguarding first responders.
This investment represents a significant step forward in modernizing the department’s communications capabilities. By strengthening radio interoperability, the department will improve response coordination, enhance officer safety, and increase the overall effectiveness of public safety operations throughout Townsend and the surrounding region.
“Interoperability is a cornerstone of modern public safety,” said Chief James P. Sartell. “When first responders can communicate clearly and reliably across jurisdictions, we can coordinate more effectively, respond faster, and keep both the public and our officers safer. This grant allows us to make a meaningful and lasting improvement to that critical capability.”
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, supporting numerous public safety needs. Townsend’s award reflects the department’s proactive efforts to identify critical infrastructure challenges and secure outside funding to meet those needs without placing additional burdens on local taxpayers.
The grant was among $5.5 million in Bryne grants that were distributed statewide by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and
Research. The grants went to 171 local police departments and 28 state agencies.
“Massachusetts continues to see a decline in violent crime, with serious offenses dropping nearly 10 percent over the past two years. These grants will help keep that momentum going,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “During a recent series of public safety roundtables across the state, I heard directly from law enforcement, prosecutors, and community partners about what is working on the ground. Grant programs, like Byrne JAG, allow us to take those lessons and continue putting resources where they can have the greatest impact.”
To learn more about the Edward Bryne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program, visit: https://bja.ojp.gov/program/jag/overview.
To learn more about Officer Edward Bryne, visit: https://bja.ojp.gov/program/jag/about-officer-byrne.
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