BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, along with Congressman Stephen Lynch, today announced that the Dedham Police Department will receive $10,553 from the Department of Homeland Security as part of its Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP).

"Our first responders put their lives on the line and the least we can do is give them the very best equipment. This funding will allow the Dedham Police Department to purchase the tools they need to get the job done and maximize safety,” said Senator Kerry. "I commend DHS for providing our state’s law enforcement agencies with the equipment and technology they need, and I’m grateful to the men and women of the Dedham Police Department for their dedication and hard work.”

"I commend the police officers of Dedham on their hard work and dedication to public safety,” said Senator Kennedy.  "They risk their lives each day to protect the citizens of Dedham and deserve the best possible equipment to help them in their jobs they do so well. This federal funding is well-deserved.”

Congressman Lynch said, "Chief Mike Weir and the Dedham Police Department are doing an outstanding job at protecting the safety and security of the people of Dedham.  This new thermal imaging equipment will enable them to locate lost children, missing persons or fleeing suspects more quickly in an emergency.  I'm thankful that the Department of Homeland Security recognized the hard work and commitment of Chief Weir and his Department, and stepped up to provide this state-of-the-art equipment."

CEDAP provides first response training and equipment to law enforcement agencies and other emergency responders.

$36.4 million in equipment and training has been awarded under the Department of Homeland Security to 2,000 first responder agencies nationally as part of FY 2006. For more information on CEDAP visit: https://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/equipment_cedap.htm

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