RUSSELLVILLE— Gov. Robert Bentley paid a visit to Russellville on Wednesday. Bentley met with doctors at Russellville Hospital on the challenges facing rural healthcare. He also met with the Franklin County Broadband Taskforce.

Bentley awarded a $4,223 grant to help the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office purchase new electronic [...]]]>

Gov. Bentley at Russellville Hospital

RUSSELLVILLE— Gov. Robert Bentley paid a visit to Russellville on Wednesday.  Bentley met with doctors at Russellville Hospital on the challenges facing rural healthcare.  He also met with the Franklin County Broadband Taskforce.

Bentley awarded a $4,223 grant to help the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office purchase new electronic stun devices.

The Franklin County Commission is using the funds to purchase 17 new Tasers to replace current devices that are 10 years old and must be removed from service due to the potential to malfunction, county officials said. The new equipment will increase the safety of deputies and the public by providing an alternative means to subdue dangerous and uncooperative suspects, Sheriff’s Office officials said.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA manages a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation, water resources management and career development.

Bentley notified Judge Barry Moore, Franklin County Commission chairman, that the grant had been approved.