Nevada Senators Secured More Than $7 Million For Nevada Law Enforcement Projects In Recently Passed Government Funding Package
LAS VEGAS, NV – Law enforcement leaders across Nevada are praising the funding they received for critical projects as part of the more than $7 million in Community Project Funding requests secured by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) in the first bipartisan government funding package for Fiscal Year 2024. Both senators submitted these Community Project Funding requests in the spring of 2023 and ensured they were included in the final bipartisan funding bill.
These federal dollars will fund a variety of projects, including mental health initiatives for the Reno Police Department, crime prevention technology for the Lander County Sheriff’s Office, equipment for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony police officers, improved DNA databases in Washoe County, and replacing an emergency vehicle for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
“I’ll always push to get Nevada’s law enforcement the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Rosen. “In the Senate, I’ve made it a top priority to deliver key tools and funding to law enforcement, which will support their mission of protecting and serving communities all across Nevada.”
“I’ve been working closely with our law enforcement officers since I was Nevada’s Attorney General, and they can count on me in the Senate to deliver the resources needed to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m proud to have secured this critical funding to provide Nevada police departments with cutting-edge equipment and support our local police officers who risk their lives every day to protect Nevada families.”
“The emergency command vehicle will provide our first responders with the latest in technology to protect the residents of and visitors to southern Nevada,” said Rich Hoggan, Chief Finance Officer for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. “We are deeply appreciative of Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto, and Representative Lee for leading the effort to secure funding for this critical asset.”
“Every second counts in emergency situations and the Public Safety Enhancement project funding will strengthen the North Las Vegas Police Department’s capabilities and enhance community safety,” said North Las Vegas Assistant Police Chief Michael Harris. “We are best able to serve the residents and businesses of North Las Vegas by ensuring that police officers and forensic technicians have the equipment and resources they need to respond to emergencies, investigate cases, solve crimes and protect our beautiful city.”
“The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the support from Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen for the $996,000 to fund a RAPID DNA Program,” said Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam. “This funding will allow the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Division to purchase three RAPID DNA instruments to be used with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Reno Police Department, and the Sparks Police Department. RAPID DNA instruments can develop a DNA profile within two hours and will support Forensic DNA casework and provide close to real time results for agencies when there is an immediate threat to our community. The instruments will provide the Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies with another tool to solve crimes and help keep our communities safe.”
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Senator Rosen, Senator Cortez Masto, and the delegation for selecting the Reno Police Department to receive the Police Department Wellness Project,” said Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance. “From offering a health and wellness speaker series and conducting occupational assessments to providing exercise equipment, this project will be instrumental in enhancing physical, mental, and spiritual wellness within our department. Ensuring our law enforcement professionals have the support they need means a healthier and more resilient department, empowered to serve our community with even greater efficiency.”
“We at the Lander County Sheriff’s Office are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our residents. This project represents a significant step forward in our capabilities to prevent and respond to crime effectively,” said Lander County Sheriff Ron Unger. “The acquisition of new vehicles, drones, and specialized equipment will empower our deputies to patrol remote areas across Lander County with greater efficiency and safety. By utilizing cutting-edge technology, we can establish a visible presence throughout our community, deterring criminal activity and enhancing our ability to investigate incidents regardless of location or weather conditions. We are grateful for the support of Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto that enables us to enhance our resources and better serve the people of Lander County.”
“The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony thanks our Congressional delegation, including Senator Rosen, Senator Cortez Masto and Congressman Amodei, for the award of $265,000 in the federal 2024 spending package. We recognize and appreciate their consistent support of the Colony,” said Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Chairman Daryl D. Gardipe. “We will use these funds to replace outdated patrol vehicles and improve the radios and computer systems in these vehicles to better support emergencies on tribal land. Our tribal community, as well as the Reno, Sparks and Washoe County communities surrounding our tribal lands, will all benefit from the improvement in policing that will result from these much-needed funds.”
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