GRANT WILL HELP BIBB SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

MONTGOMERY - The Bibb County Sheriff's Department will be getting some
welcome additions, including a drug-sniffing dog, thanks to a $20,000 grant.

The grant, awarded by Gov. Bob Riley, will also help the department buy two
all-terrain vehicles, trailers and training equipment.

John Harrison, director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community
Affairs, notified Commission Chairman Gene Moreland that the grant had been
approved.

The commission is adding $2,222 in matching funds to the project.

In addition to locating illegal drugs, the specially trained dog will serve
as a public relations tool at county schools and communities by helping to
break down any barriers between students, citizens and law enforcement
officers. Money will also be used to provide a special carrier for the dog.

Bibb County deputies plan to use the ATVs to increase its access to
isolated/sareas.

That will allow officers to search for illegal drugs and to increase access
and response time in searches, rescues and emergencies.

About 87 percent of the county is woodlands and much of that includes
rugged terrain that can't be accessed by larger vehicles.

The training gear will allow deputies to conduct realistic training to
experience scenarios where they are being shot at and to improve their
tactical skills. The grant will also fund protective gear that will be worn
during training.

The grant was awarded from funds made available to the state through a
program of the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA will administer the grant.