SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Police Department (SPD) received the first of two grants for dispatch training, salaries and equipment this week.
The $10,000 grant will be used to supplement salaries and purchase hardware and software upgrades, according to Police Chief David A. Ricardi.
The second grant is just over $28,000 and will be used for training.
The SPD has four full-time dispatchers and four part-time dispatchers. Ricardi said he explored expanding the department.
“When I first became chief I looked into dispatch to see if we should add another person, but our current needs are being met,” Ricardi said. “We’re fine.”
The E-9-1-1 state grant was awarded to the SPD following an application process.
Board of Selectmen Chairman Russell Fox thanked Ricardi for securing the funds.
“Thank you for the excellent work you’re doing,” Fox said, noting several grants received by the SPD. “I think a lot of it has to do with your leadership.”
The State 911 Department is a department within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and is responsible for administering the State 911 Department Training Grant and EMD/Regulatory Compliance Grant.
Awards to grantees under the State 911 Department Training Grant were disbursed according to a formula that weighs both population served and 911 call volume, with a minimum award of $10,000.
