Shapiro highlights funding allocated for law enforcement advancement

LOCK HAVEN, CLINTON CO. (WOLF) — “I committed to do this on the campaign trail and we’re making good on that commitment,” said Governor Josh Shapiro (D-Pennsylvania).

The Shapiro administration and local law enforcement met Wednesday afternoon in Lock Haven – highlighting funding allocated to making Pennsylvania communities safer.

“People have the right to be safe and feel safe in their communities. Often, they look to their local police department as they do here in Lock Haven,” Governor Shapiro explained.

The administration has secured funding to train hundreds of local law enforcement officers.

“We’ve helped Chiefs be able to recruit and retain 700 municipal police officers across Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said.

The Lock Haven Police Department has received $14,000 from the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency – something Mayor Joel Long says couldn’t be possible without the state’s help.

“Without the help of grant funding, small cities like ours would struggle to keep officers properly equipped for duty,” Mayor Long said.

Chief Matthew Rickard explains the difficulties the department faced before funding was awarded.

“We’ve continually operated below a full complement – causing delays in response times and impacting residents,” Rickard explained.

Chief Rickard says his department will put the funding to use right away for training and to hire two new officers.

“Funds from the program will reimburse costs associated with Act120 training. The funding opened doors for applicants who were met with barriers in previous application cycles,” Rickard laid out.

In addition to law enforcement, the Shapiro administration has secured $31 million in grants for fire, EMS, and rescue squad companies across the Commonwealth.