NORFOLK -- Several law enforcement agencies in Hampton Roads will get money to buy equipment to fight terrorism.
45 departments across the state will split $4.9 million in State Homeland Security Program grants, announced Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-VA).
The program provides funds to help build capabilities at the state and local levels through planning, training, exercise activities and purchase of needed equipment. Equipment scheduled for purchase with these grants includes incident response vehicles, personal protective equipment, automatic license plate readers and bomb squad gear.
Newport News Police spokesman Lou Thurson says the city's portion will be used to buy an armored vehicle.
Potential recipients and equipment needs were identified through an analysis conducted annually by local law enforcement leaders, the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.
TERRORISM GRANTS:
Chesapeake City Police: $42,000
Emporia City Police: $17,000
Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office: $17,000
Newport News City Police: $285,000
Norfolk City Police: $285,000
Suffolk City Police: $17,000
Virginia Beach City Police: $74,000
Williamsburg City Police: $17,000
New Kent County Sheriff's Office: $17,000
