Congressman Stephen F. Lynch announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved $100,000 for a new dispatch system for the Braintree Police Department.  The funding was included in the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Act for FY 2008, which now heads to the U.S. Senate.

 

The federal funding will enable the Braintree Police Department to purchase a new communications console, replacing a unit that is more than twenty years old and unable to support the Department’s safety and security needs. The console will serve as the dispatch center for all 911 calls and the emergency response system for the Town of Braintree.

 

Congressman Lynch said, “This federal funding is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of Chief Paul Frazier and the entire Braintree Police Department.  They have demonstrated the ability to adapt and respond to new threats and to do what it takes to protect the families of Braintree.  In responding to concerns raised by Senator Mike Morrissey and Representative Joe Driscoll and the Board of Selectmen, we hope that this new technology will enable the Department to better serve the people of Braintree and enhance coordination between emergency response personnel.”

 

Earlier this year, at the request of town officials, Congressman Lynch approached Republican and Democratic leaders on the House Appropriations Committee to formally request federal funding for a new dispatch system for the Braintree Police Department.  Congressman Lynch was notified that the funding would be included in the final House version of the bill, which was overwhelmingly approved by the House this week, and will now be sent to the Senate for its approval.

 

State Representative Joe Driscoll said, “The Braintree Police Department has been an example of excellence in law enforcement for the South Shore and now the funding for this much needed project will ensure that it has the infrastructure to continue to serve our residents.”

 

Braintree Police Chief Paul Frazier said, “The Town of Braintree has been fortunate to have such dedicated legislators in Representative Joseph Driscoll and Senator Michael Morrissey.  They understood the need to improve the deficient dispatch center for our Police Department and reached out to Congressman Stephen Lynch for some assistance.  There have not been too many occasions that I have seen where Congressman Lynch has not delivered for his constituents and once again he understands that the type support he is giving to the Braintree Police Department will benefit us and the residents of our community.”

 

Congressman Lynch has worked closely with the Town of Braintree over the last five years to secure federal funding for improvements to the Police and Fire Departments.  Lynch has helped the Braintree Fire Department to secure three federal Fire Grants totaling more than $400,000, and he has helped the Police Department to secure a grant from the Department of Homeland Security and another grant from the Department of Justice to purchase new bulletproof vests.

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