US Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley along with US Representatives Andrea Salinas and Val Hoyle have announced crucial federal investments for technology to support local law enforcement.
These investments include emergency response and crime prevention in Benton, Lake and Marion counties along with the City of Medford.
The funding from the US Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services Technology and Equipment Program will give these communities the resources needed to acquire effective equipment, technologies and interoperable communications that assist in responding to and preventing crime.
The City of Medford is receiving $880,000 to acquire a Mobile Incident Command Center which will provide a central hub for coordinating emergency response and significantly enhance regional resiliency throughout the Rogue Valley.
Medford Mayor Randy Sparacino said the federal lawmakers from Oregon understand the need for such a regional asset which will enhance response to future events by providing a unified command structure, coordination of resources, radio interoperability, and a protected location for personnel and equipment.
Sparacino said their support of Medford's financial assistance request to help replace their outdated and undersized vehicle will help first responders be better prepared to address wildfires, hazardous material emergencies and other public safety incidents often requiring multi-agency response.
