Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry announced a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant in the amount of $8,000 to the City of Lenoir Police Department in Caldwell County.

The grant comes through the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) which helps to ensure that law enforcement and emergency responders can acquire specialized equipment and training to meet their homeland security mission.

"The Lenoir Police Department is a first-class outfit of public servants dedicated to protect their fellow citizens. I know Chief Reynolds and his team will put this grant to good use," said Congressman McHenry.

CEDAP is a mechanism for the Department of Homeland Security to work with local fire, rescue and police departments in strengthening the nation’s ability to prevent, protect, respond and recover from a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

"These funds will enable the Lenoir Police Department to purchase a new Mini Thermal Monocular, a versatile piece of equipment that detects a suspect or victim’s body heat," said Lenoir Police Chief Joey Reynolds. "It can be used for a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and search & rescue."

CEDAP offers equipment in the following categories: extrication devices; thermal imaging, night vision and video surveillance tools; chemical, biological and radiological detection tools; information technology and risk management tools; and vehicle tracking tools. This program also focuses on those smaller communities and metropolitan areas not eligible for the Urban Area Security Initiative grant program to apply for assistance through this program.  

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