BOONEVILLE – The Booneville Police Department has been awarded nearly $1 million in state and federal grant funding that will be used for law enforcement equipment, school safety and officer training.
According to the department, Booneville police received a total of $965,852.06 through two separate grant programs.
The department was awarded $750,000 through the federal COPS Grant, which requires no local match, and $215,852.06 through the LEO Grant, which is a 50/50 state matching grant.
Police said the funding will be used to purchase and upgrade equipment including patrol vehicles, weapons, computers, body armor and other tools used by officers.
A portion of the money will also go toward active shooter response equipment and training for School Resource Officers assigned to Booneville schools.
Police Chief Michael Ramey said the grants will allow the department to make needed public safety investments while reducing the amount of local taxpayer money required.
“Our first responsibility is to protect and serve the citizens of Booneville, and that includes doing everything within our ability to protect our children, teachers, and school personnel,” Ramey said.
He said grant funding also helps the department balance public safety needs with fiscal responsibility.
“Securing outside funding allows us to make necessary investments in our department while reducing the financial burden placed on our local citizens,” Ramey said.
City officials and Ramey also met with representatives from U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly’s office, who delivered official notification of the federal grant award.
The Booneville Police Department said it plans to continue pursuing state and federal grant opportunities to improve officer safety, technology and school security.
