Larson Helps Secure Federal Funding for Torrington Police Department
For Immediate Release
June 16, 2009
Contact: Paul Mounds: 860-278-8888
Congressman Larson Helps Secure FederalFunding for Torrington Police Department Emergency Communications System
WashingtonD.C.- Today,U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House DemocraticCaucus, helped to secure $175,000 in federal funding for the Torrington PoliceDepartment to improve their emergency response communication systems. The funding comes as part of broaderlegislation to invest in our national public safety priorities.
"Public safety isessential to the growth and wellbeing of our community. This funding will allowthe city of Torrington to upgrade their communications system, improve responsetime, and keep the residents of Torrington safe. This is a smart and much neededinvestment for Torrington and its police department, "said Congressman Larson.
Thisnew communications system will keep our communities and our neighbors safe byimproving the coordination of our local first responders duringemergencies. It will expand and improvethe City of Torrington's emergency response communications system, enablingbetter field communication between law enforcement, fire and other publicsafety agencies.
Thesystem improvements to the city's communications system will help Torringtonfulfill their long term goal of serving as the regional emergency and dispatchcenter for Northwestern Connecticut and Litchfield County. The Torrington's emergency response systemcurrently serves as a public safety communications center for the city as wellas for surrounding towns. However, it is not compatible with State'scommunications systems guidelines and would not meet future federalcommunications mandates without the funding. Earlier this year, CongressmanLarson met with Torrington Mayor Ryan Bingham to discuss the project and itsoverall importance to the community.
Thelegislation also invests in national priorities to keep our citizens andstreets safe. It includes new funds forthe incredibly successful Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Programto help local municipalities hire more than 7,000 new police officer and boostsborder protection to keep drugs and guns out of our neighborhoods.
At thesame time the legislation is fiscally responding - cutting overall spending byeliminating 11 programs that haven't worked and cutting funding on 13 others.
TheBill will now go to the United States Senate for consideration.
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