Wellton police secure $2 million in grants, still seek funding for new station
Andrea Turisk
WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY)- In Wellton, more than $2 million in grant funding is changing the way the police department operates.
The Wellton Police Department (WPD) says most of their equipment funding comes from grants and in a couple years alone that funding has really helped them better protect locals.
Detective Nathan Hammond with WPD says, “One piece of equipment by itself may not seem significant, but when you add all of it up, it starts to really make a difference.”
Grant money has paid for new patrol vehicles, firearms, and other tools needed for officers to keep the community safe.
Chief David Rodriguez with WPD says these things are necessary to continue growing as a department.
“We had to catch up. We were so far behind from all the other departments technology wise and equipment-wise so that was one of my major focuses. As a small department there’s no excuse,” Chief Rodriguez expressed.
Detective Hammond says these new additions not only help them do their job more effectively. Officers can feel safer while doing their job.
“Having the effective equipment whether fit be rifles, shields, body armor, whatever have you, all of that equipment helps us be more effective at keeping the community safe as well as ourselves,” Hammond remarked.
But while the gear is new, the building isn’t. The department still runs out of a former feed store built in the 80s
“A new station is what I’m thriving for. One that’s purpose built, one that has a proper evidence room, a proper holding facility. One where we can separate the suspect and victims,” Rodriguez spoke.
While the department has seen major upgrades in equipment, Rodriguez says their next priority is a new station. One that can support a growing team and help them work more effectively.