Public safety remains a top priority for Alabamians, and properly equipped law enforcement agencies are key to ensuring community protection. The Morgan County Sheriff’s Department recently received nearly $600,000 in new equipment, including seven patrol trucks, body cameras, vests, and other essential gear.
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The funding was secured by U.S. Congressman Dale Strong through the FY 2024 federal appropriations package, which allocated $18.5 million to North Alabama. Sheriff Ron Puckett had contacted Strong to request assistance replacing the department’s aging equipment.
Pucket thanked Strong in an Instagram post for providing the needed equipment.
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Puckett explained that while the department would have continued operating with its previous equipment, the upgraded vehicles, cameras, and vests enhance both officer safety and the department’s ability to protect the public.
In a statement to WAFF, Strong said, “While we’ve made a lot of cuts at the federal level, the big thing you can’t cut is national security and local law enforcement. It’s hard to find these kinds of dollars in local government and also in D.C.”
“These are ways that you can advocate for your community, not only for your nation, but also for your community,” he added. “This was a way that we could return some tax dollars here to this area. I never apologize for bringing tax dollars back to our district.”
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].