One local police department has benefited from last year's grant cycle as a new one is about to open. Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation is helping people serving their communities by providing $50,000 through its Rewarding Responders Grant to area first responders.
Agencies in northeast and north central Wisconsin can apply for a grant now through June 15. Grants of up to $2,000 are available to each eligible department.
Rhinelander Police Captain Ron Lueneburg says they picked up some tools that are handy for officers on patrol...
"Small rescue devices that officers can carry on their person like a window punch knife-seat belt cutter combination tool. We also we're able to get mini flashlights that the officers can carry. They are handy especially for night shifters..."
WPS spokesperson Matt Cullen says eligible departments should apply online...
"They also will need to fill out an online grant application and they need to demonstrate that the equipment or the training they would acquire through the grant is part of a well-planned effort to improve public safety..."
Agencies in northeast and north central Wisconsin can apply for a grant through June 15. Cullen says agencies getting grants last year cannot apply this year.
