Lavonia PD Receives Public Safety Grant

The Lavonia Police Department has received  a $10,000 public safety grant from the Georgia Department of Highway Safety.

Called an incentive grant, it’s designed for smaller law enforcement agencies that have partnered with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety initiatives, such as the Click or Ticket program, participating in network meetings, and submitting applications to the State’s annual law enforcement awards program.

Lavonia Police Chief Bruce Carlisle said the grant is effective through September 2014 and he plans to use part of the money to purchase new breathalyzer equipment.

“This grant, specifically, will be used for the purchase of a new intox to test impaired drivers when they come in. The state is changing the standard for the use of intoxilyzers, and we must all comply with that.”

This is the fourth time the Lavonia Police Department has been awarded a grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety according to Carlisle.

He said part of the money will also be used to upgrade equipment in patrol cars.

“Other items that would be purchased are items that the officers can use out on the street while they are on their daily patrol duties, working traffic, to keep them safe and the motoring traffic public safe. As always, it’s a pleasure to partner with the Govenor’s Office of Highway Safety.”

Carlisle said his department is grateful to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety for the award.