|
|
Bethlehem, July 12, 2022 – State Senator Lisa M. Boscola announced today that she has secured $177,939 in state funding for the Bethlehem Police and Fire Departments to assist with public safety efforts in the City of Bethlehem. The Bethlehem Police Department will be receiving $102,939 to expand its automated license plate reader (ALPR) camera system to three additional intersections and the Bethlehem Fire Department will be receiving $75,000 for the purchase of air purifiers for Fire/EMS vehicles and stations.
“These grants will provide critical financial assistance to the most vital organizations in our community: our police, fire and emergency services providers,” Boscola said. “The Bethlehem Police and Fire Departments are well-deserving of this funding, which will help enhance public safety efforts and protect the health of their personnel.”
“The men and women of the Bethlehem Police Department are grateful to Senator Boscola for her assistance in securing grant funding for this important project,” stated Michelle Kott, Chief of Police for the Bethlehem Police Department. “She has proven time and again that she is a valued partner that is committed to helping us create a safer community.”
“With the support of Senator Boscola we will be able to install a Sentinel Air Purification system in each of our fire apparatus and ambulances in the Bethlehem Fire Department,” said Warren Achey, Fire Chief for the Bethlehem Fire Department. “Each of our six (6) stations will also be outfitted with two portable units to sanitize air within our fire and EMS stations. By neutralizing harmful VOCs, viruses and bacteria within our working spaces we will be able to provide a healthier work environment for our first responders. We are delighted that Senator Boscola has been a tremendous supporter of the City of Bethlehem First Responders during her years as our Senator”
The Bethlehem Police Department will be using the grant funds to expand its use of automated license plate readers to three additional intersections near the Wind Creek Casino, at the New and 3rd Streets on the City’s Southside and at Union Blvd and Club Avenue in West Bethlehem. Data collected by ALPR’s can play a critical role in investigating crimes as it can show police where a plate has been in the past, determine whether a vehicle was at the scene of a crime, to identify travel patterns, and even to discover vehicles that may be associated with each other.
The Bethlehem Fire Department will be purchasing air purifiers that will be outfitted on all fire and EMS vehicles along with each station. Fire Department personnel face a wide range of air contaminants that can affect their job performance and their health both in the short and long terms. Air purifiers can provide protection from toxic VOC’s, pathogens and particulates.
Information provided to TVL by:
Kurt J. Derr
Office of Senator Lisa Boscola
One East Broad Street, Suite 120
Bethlehem, PA 18018
