Plainfield Gets Public Safety Grant From ComEd, Mayors Caucus

PLAINFIELD, IL — To enhance public safety and quality of life in communities across northern Illinois, ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus today announced grants of up to $10,000 each to 25 public agencies through the ComEd Powering Safe Communities Program — including the Plainfield Police Department. From digital messaging and speed notification signage to cameras that help locate victims in danger, the projects address critical safety needs in the communities ComEd serves.

In Plainfield, the grant will support the purchase of a variable message board that is easily transportable and will be used to give immediate updates and directives to improve safety within the community. The message board provides digital signage and will be shared with the department of public works, fire protection district, and park district.

“The safety of the public and our employees is our highest priority,” said Melissa Washington, vice president of governmental and external affairs at ComEd. “That’s why we partner with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus each year through the ComEd Powering Safe Communities Program to promote a culture of safety and wellness in our communities. By providing local agencies with the resources required to help address public safety needs, we’re powering a brighter, more resilient future for the residents they serve.”

Since 2015, ComEd has supported critical safety needs of local municipalities through Powering Safe Communities, bringing essential public safety programs and services to people and populations throughout the energy company’s service territory.

For the past four grant cycles, ComEd has collaborated with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, a council for Chicagoland’s chief elected officials, on public policy issues and to fund $670,000 worth of public safety projects throughout northern Illinois. Through this collaboration, ComEd provides the program funding, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus administers the grants to local communities, and grant recipients match ComEd’s contribution with their own funding of equal or greater value.

“For the past four years, we have been able to leverage over $1.8 million for 95 local public safety projects,” said Joseph Tamburino, Mayor of Hillside, Ill., and Chairman of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. “Our partnership with ComEd has put our shared public safety commitment into action and increased community resiliency. We are grateful for ComEd’s generosity.”

Earlier this year, public agencies from across communities that ComEd serves submitted grant applications, which were then reviewed by an advisory committee comprised of public safety, local government, and allied professionals.

Submitted article