Blackstone, Millville, and Neighboring Towns Awarded $102K in Public Safety Grants
Federal Funding to Support Public Safety and Technology in the Blackstone Valley
State Representative Michael J. Soter announced that five local police departments—Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, Medway, and Uxbridge—have been awarded a combined total of $102,338 through the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.
These Justice Assistance Grants for local police departments will help strengthen public safety, fund new technology, and support crime prevention programs across the district.
What the Justice Assistance Grants Support
The Justice Assistance Grants for local police departments are administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants & Research (OGR). The program provides critical funding to support law enforcement, prevention and education initiatives, and technology improvements based on local needs.
The total awards for each community are:
- Bellingham Police Department: $30,000
- Uxbridge Police Department: $30,000
- Medway Police Department: $18,000
- Millville Police Department: $12,738
- Blackstone Police Department: $11,600
Representative Soter: “A Victory for Local Public Safety”
Representative Michael Soter emphasized the impact these funds will have on local departments, saying:
“Bringing home over $102,000 in assistance for our local police departments is a major victory for our district. This funding ensures that Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, Medway, and Uxbridge can invest directly in specialized equipment, technology, and prevention efforts—without imposing a burden on local taxpayers.”
Local Police Chiefs Praise the Impact
Police chiefs across the region expressed gratitude for the Justice Assistance Grants for local police departments, noting that the funds will have a direct and lasting impact on safety and community service.
Bellingham Police Chief Ken Fitzgerald said the funding will strengthen services while reducing long-term costs:
“Thanks to Sgt. Mark Auld’s strong grant work, this award funds a critical capital item that strengthens our service to residents—while doing so in a fiscally responsible way that reduces long-term costs for Bellingham taxpayers.”
Blackstone Police Chief Gregory Gilmore shared how the funds will benefit the town directly:
“We are extremely pleased to be awarded the JAG grant here in the Town of Blackstone. The department will utilize the funds for programs that will have a direct impact on public safety for our residents. We thank Representative Soter for his hard work in supporting our efforts to secure this much-needed funding.”
Strengthening Community Safety Across the Blackstone Valley with Justice Assistance Grants
The Justice Assistance Grants for local police departments reflect an ongoing commitment to public safety and modernization in smaller communities. From equipment upgrades to technology improvements, these grants ensure that local departments can continue to protect residents effectively and efficiently.
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