Dateline: April 11, 2002

Donley Sheriff's Office receives state grant

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Governor Rick Perry this week announced grants totaling $553,217 to help local law enforcement agencies in 94 Texas cities and counties purchase equipment, including more than $9,000 for the Donley County Sheriff’s Department.

The grants, awarded through by the Criminal Justice Division (CJD) of the Governor’s Office, are funded through the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant of the US Department of Justice.

“These grants make it possible for smaller communities in Texas to provide peace officers with the latest technology,” Perry said. “By providing access to essential equipment, law enforcement efforts are strengthened, and safety is bolstered for Texans in every part of our state.”

The one-time grants for up to $10,000 may be used to purchase equipment related to law enforcement or public safety functions, such as bulletproof vests, radios, video systems, or mobile data units for patrol vehicles.

Sheriff Butch Blackburn said his department will use the money to buy four new light bars and five new radios for patrol vehicles. The grant totals $9,415, and the county will provide a match of $1,043.

Donley is one of only three Panhandle counties receiving the grants. The others are Hemphill and Randall.

Each year, CJD provides more than $130 million in grants to help Texans at the forefront of the fight against crime. CJD funds a variety of programs for juvenile justice, crime prevention, and victim services grants.