WATERBURY, October 26 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today announced $944,000 in federal funding for state law enforcement and first responders.

Vermont Department of Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Tremblay said Sanders “has always expressed his desire to assist with our public safety initiatives. We greatly appreciate his efforts to bring these funds to Vermont to help us advance our technology and communications plans in support of our public safety mission.”

Sanders secured $506,000 to for the Vermont Department of Public Safety to improve communications equipment and technology.

Another $250,000 will allow the Vermont State Police to take advantage of the most advanced in-cruiser camera technology available, according to Col. Tom L’Esperance, the state police director. “This technology will ensure Vermont State Police meet our goals of flawless evidence collection, efficient investigations, swift prosecution, transparent performance, and bias-free policing,” L’Esperance said. 

Sanders also secured $188,000 to support driver training at the Vermont police Academy in Pittsford. The funding was for a driver training simulator, which will help the academy deliver versatile, portable, highly-advanced driver training to law enforcement recruits.

“We must continue to do more to support and protect our law enforcement officers and first responders as they face increasing demands in the field,” Sanders said.

In addition to Tremblay and L’Esperance, participants in the press conference at the Department of Public Safety Headquarters in Waterbury included R.J. Elrick, director of the Vermont Police Academy, Paul Duquette, chief of the Newport Police Department, Lamoille County Sheriff Roger Marcoux and Al Barber chief of the Hinesburg Volunteer Fire Department.