MONTGOMERY– Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $5,807 grant to help the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office boost its efforts in fighting drug crimes.
The grant to the Lawrence County Commission will enable the Sheriff’s Office to purchase a K9 dog to be used in the joint drug investigations it conducts with the Lawrence County Drug/Violent Crime Task Force, the county Department of Education and police departments within the county.
“We have seen too many times where drugs have destroyed lives and families,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to help Lawrence County obtain a new tool to combat this destructive presence in their communities.”
The funds include the dog and a four-week training course, allowing the K9 and its handler to be certified as a team. The training will help detect illegal drugs during investigations, vehicle searches, school locker searches and when conducting search warrants.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“ADECA partners with law enforcement agencies across the state to help them obtain the equipment and tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “Through this grant, ADECA is able to help the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office as they protect and serve.”
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation development.
Bentley notified County Commission Chairman Bradley Cross that the grant had been approved.
