The state grant will replace the North Coventry police vehicle

From left are North Coventry City Manager Erica Batdorf, North Coventry Police Sgt. Andrew Zinger, North Coventry Police Chief Matthew Deichert and State Representative Paul Friel. (Image courtesy of State Representative Paul Friel’s office)

NORTH COVENTRY — Rep. state Rep. Paul Friel, D-26th Dist., recently presented a $146,125 grant to the North Coventry Township Police Department.

The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and will be used to replace an aging police vehicle and purchase updated equipment, including stationary license plate recognition cameras, to assist with criminal investigations and motoring violations.

“Equipping police officers with effective, high-quality tools means better protection for both the officers and the people they serve,” Friel said. “This is about investing in our local police force and putting officers in the best possible position to serve our communities and uphold justice.”

The funding will also be used to replace officers’ Tasers, which are at the end of their recommended life for safe use. The department says implementing Taser use has allowed officers to better reduce incidents and potentially prevent the need for greater physical force.

“We would like to thank Representative Paul Friel and his office for their support of this grant,” said North Coventry Police Chief Matthew Deichert. “The department will use these funds to purchase equipment that will assist officers in their daily duties and investigations with a focus on keeping our community a safe place to live and work.”