New Funding Supports Collaborative Regional Public Safety Projects
Local public safety entities have been awarded more than $500,000 for collaborative projects through Sourcewell’s new Public Safety Impact Funds program, which provides dedicated funding for law enforcement, fire departments, ambulance services, and first-response teams in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties.
“We are honored and excited to expand our impact funds to our public safety partners in the region. We see the difference these organizations and individuals make every day,” said Paul Drange, chief regional solutions officer at Sourcewell. “We are confident these additional resources will help to make our region a safer and more secure place for families, residents, and visitors. We deeply value the partnership and foresight that goes into making these enhancements possible.”
Separate from Sourcewell’s Community Impact Funding – which awarded nearly $3 million to nonprofits and local governments in June – the Public Safety Impact Funds program was specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by these essential services.
In the past, public safety entities had to compete for funding alongside other local government projects. With this new program, these entities could apply for up to $250,000 in funding per fiscal year. To be eligible, the project must have involved at least one other entity – such as a neighboring public safety agency, local unit of government, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, or nonprofit – promoting a collaborative approach to strengthening public safety within the region.
“This funding empowers our public safety entities with the essential resources and modern equipment they need to protect our communities,” said Amy Piekarski, resource development administrator at Sourcewell. “Through these collaborative projects, entities in our five-county region can address specific needs that no one entity could tackle alone."
Requests for funding were reviewed by members of the Public Safety Advisory Council and were awarded through a lottery process. From lifesaving extrication tools to advanced cloud-based public safety platforms, these funds will equip law enforcement and first responders with the tools needed to better protect their communities.
Public Safety Impact Funds projects
Remer Volunteer Fire Department and Remer Area Ambulance Service
$57,000 to purchase new electric extrication tools and lift bags. These tools are vital for responding to vehicle accidents, enabling first responders to efficiently rescue individuals in critical situations.
Lakes Area SWAT Team
$226,200 to the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office, Wadena Police Department, Staples Police Department, and Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office, to update safety equipment for the Lakes Area SWAT team. This funding will equip officers with protective gear and tools.
Crow Wing County Law Enforcement Consortium
$250,000 to the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office and the police departments of Baxter, Brainerd, Breezy Point, Crosby, Crosslake, Cuyuna, Deerwood, Nisswa, and Pequot Lakes to implement the 365Labs Public Safety Platform. This cloud-based system will modernize regional public safety operations, enhancing communication and collaboration.