HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Hopkinsville City Council passed a resolution at the April 16 meeting that allows the city to apply for large Homeland Security grants for local emergency services.

According to the resolution, the funds are intended to build, sustain, and deliver capabilities necessary to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism. Through the grant, the police and fire departments in Hopkinsville would receive equipment they have selected for this purpose, totaling $370,051.40.

The fire department is requesting pneumatic airbags, expandable struts, and electric rescue tools at $262,000. Separately, the police department requested a HD2 arm advanced robot, and a defender level four ballistic shield at $108,051.40.

Equipment use

Hopkinsville Police Chief Jason Newby told Christian County Now that robots are often used by law enforcement in hostage situations, explosive ordinance disposal, and evaluating a hazardous area. “The scenarios a robot can be utilized in is endless,” said Chief Newby.

He also explained the importance of the ballistic shield in a potentially life-threatening situation, “The ballistic shield will help protect officers, EMT’s, and victims from gunfire during situations where medical help is needed or hostage rescue is needed while you still have an active shooter,” said Chief Newby.

The equipment requested by the fire department will be a much-needed update for emergency responders. It will be used for rescue incidents, mainly vehicle accents according to Payton Rogers with HFD.

“The fleet of equipment we currently have is well-used and aging,” said Rogers. “The receipt of this grant will allow the department to have the latest technology while simultaneously updating our fleet of equipment to better serve those in an emergency.”

Chief Financial Officer Melissa Clayton told the council that these grants have been planned for a while, but the deadline to apply was fast approaching on April 22. If the grant application is accepted, the fire and police departments will be able to purchase the equipment.

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