MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded two grants totaling $31,997 to help a pair of law enforcement offices in southeast Alabama purchase new equipment.  

“By having access to updated equipment, these Wiregrass police officers will be better prepared to protect and serve the public,” Gov. Ivey said. “These officers put themselves at risk every day to protect their communities and I am happy to be able to provide some needed equipment to make them safer while on duty.” 

The city of Abbeville is using $23,597 in funds to purchase body cameras, suppressors for rifles and other equipment. The department also will obtain a simulation training system including rifles and handguns that use paintballs. This system allows officers to train in lifelike scenarios. 

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA manages a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation, water resources management and career development.

“Gov. Ivey and ADECA continue to support the efforts of police officers who work daily to protect the residents of their cities and towns,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “These grants will help Abbeville and Cottonwood obtain equipment to help them better serve their communities.”

Gov. Ivey notified Abbeville Mayor Billy Helms and Cottonwood Mayor Ken Hamilton that the grants had been approved. 

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