KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — The Trump Administration has reversed an executive order signed by Barack Obama to limit the distribution of military surplus items to police agencies.
Kalamazoo has just received a much more useful gift from the nation’s capital: It’s a check from FEMA for over $1.5 million that KDPS Chief Jeff Hadley intends to use to hire a dozen more public safety officers.
“This support from FEMA’s SAFER Grant will help to ensure our public safety officers are always ready when needed,” Hadley said.
The grants are primarily intended to help cities fight fires. However, because Kalamazoo PSOs pull double-duty as police officers and firefighters, it’s a bonus.
There is a fear the grant program could be slashed out of the FEMA budget next year.
