Newton Police Department Gets $88K Grant From State

NEWTON, MA — The Newton Police Department won an $88,000 grant, the Baker-Polito Administration announced recently. Newton was one of 10 communities across the state to win grants for their police and or fire departments as part of an effort to help the departments support core public safety and emergency response services.

The state grants totaled $4,560,000. Newton's police department grant was the smallest grant of the 10 communities at $88,166.10. Still, Police Chief David MacDonald said he was happy to have the money.

"This is a very important grant in that it enables us to continue important work on Community Engagement and Traffic related issues in our city," said MacDonald in a statement.

These grants are designed to help communities by removing some of the uncertainties that arise from the budgeting process, according to officials.

"We are very proud of the strong relationships we have with communities across the Commonwealth and we are grateful for the life-saving work of our first responders," said Gov. Charlie Baker in a statement.

The funds may be used to restore, retain, or hire personnel, or for overtime if needed to provide adequate shift coverage to maintain appropriate staffing levels, allowing them to maintain public safety and emergency response capabilities, according to the state.

Fall River received the most aid with more than a half a million to the police department and the fire departments for a total of nearly $1.3 million.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).