July 30, 2024 – Sen. Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton) announced today he has secured $400,000 total in grants for the Allentown Police Department, the South Whitehall Police Department and the Salisbury Police Department.
“Our first responders play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe,” said Miller. “This funding will go toward necessary updates and improvements so that our first responders can do their jobs effectively. Our families and communities deserve safe neighborhoods.”
In Allentown, $150,000 was awarded via an American Rescue Plan Act grant, which will be used to pay for a feasibility study of the fire department and the design of the police department, according to Allentown Chief of Police Charles Roca.
“On behalf of the Allentown Police Department, I would like to thank Sen. Nick Miller for his support of our department with the awarding of a grant to assist us in the planning and associated costs involved in the anticipated construction of our new police station,” said Roca. “I look forward to serving our community in a greater capacity by having a new and modern building that not only meets the needs of our officers, but is ready to serve our residents and visitors alike.”
In Salisbury Township, the police force received $150,000 via a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grant to support the new Emergency Operations Center, according to Salisbury Chief of Police Donald Sabo.
“The goal is to maintain continuity of operations in Salisbury Township in the event of a disaster,” explained Sabo. “All related services, including police, fire, emergency management and public works can be housed in the same area to ensure operational readiness during events. We would like to thank Sen. Miller for his support of emergency services and Salisbury Township. This joint endeavor reinforces the dedication of state, local and municipal leaders and their common goal of maintaining public safety in our commonwealth.”
The South Whitehall Police Department received $100,000 via a DCED grant for a new patrol car and new e-bikes.
“The South Whitehall Township Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of service to South Whitehall residents, stakeholders and visitors,” said Thomas Petrucci, the South Whitehall Township manager. “This level of service is achieved through dedication, integrity, transparency, equity and professionalism. The addition of both a patrol vehicle and e-bikes will help the department to fulfill its mission and promote general tourism to the area. South Whitehall Township would like to extend their gratitude to Sen. Miller for his assistance in obtaining this important funding.”
“Having grown up around law enforcement, I have a significant amount of respect for what our first responders do,” added Miller. “This funding will help protect both our residents and our hardworking emergency responders.”
Several police departments across the Lehigh Valley will be participating in National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Events are family-friendly and free to attend, promoting police-community partnerships. Sen. Miller and his team will be attending several National Night Out events across the Lehigh Valley.
- The Allentown Police Department will host theirs at Cedar Beach Park from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
- The Salisbury Township Police Department will be at the Salisbury Elementary School from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
- The South Whitehall Police Department will host from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Covered Bridge Park.
- The Bushkill Township Police Department will host from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Bushkill Township Recreation Fields.
- The Lehigh Township Police Department will host at Indian Trial Park, beginning at 6 p.m.
- The Emmaus Police Department will host at the police station from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
- The Hanover Police Department will host at Emory H. Markle Middle School from 6 until 8 p.m.
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