The Town of Tonawanda Police Department is getting some upgrades.
Nearly $300,000 in state funding will go toward day-to-day operations, as well as physical upgrades to the department’s headquarters.
"Keeping our communities safe is a key priority of mine, and supporting our local police departments, like the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, is the number one factor in ensuring our neighborhoods across Western New York are protected," Senator Sean Ryan said. "At the same time, eradicating crime in our community requires a multifaceted approach. This funding for Crime Stoppers will help them continue their important work helping local law enforcement resolve unsolved crimes."
Some of the money will be used to update the locker room for male officers, which is more than 50 years old.
"The locker room's a bit out of date," Se. Ryan said. "We're able to allow them to bring it up to modern standards. We're very happy about that because we know part of the job satisfaction starts with coming into a building that's nice and you feel like you can start and finish your day."
A $10,000 grant is going to Crimestoppers to increase reward amounts for people who help solve crimes.
"We are grateful to Sen. Ryan for securing this important funding, which will assist our department in further safeguarding the community," Town of Tonawanda Police Chief James P. Stauffiger said. "The upgrades to our facilities will help to improve the morale among the brave men and women in the police department who selflessly serve the town and will allow them to be even better prepared to respond when called on."