By Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal

Police Chief Brandon Thomas of Fort Deposit Police Department announced Monday night the second portion of a United States Department of Agriculture grant has been received to purchase two fully equipped Police Dodge Chargers along with one Chevy Tahoe and other police equipment needed.

This portion of the grant includes $64,014 in grant funds and $26,269 in matching funds from the city, said Thomas.

About two months ago, he said, his department received the first portion of the grant including $25,388 along with $9,112 in city funds to purchase one fully equipped Police Dodge Charger and police equipment.

“This grant will be a great asset to my department, allowing my officers to have better patrol units along with computers to help accommodate them with new technology while performing their official duties,” Thomas said.

Previously, the Fort Deposit Police Department received a $5,000 Mid-South Resource Conservation and Development Grant for new computers, printers, flashlights and ammunition.