Baxter PD Wants To Purchase New Vehicles And Tasers Through Grant Application

Baxter seeking grant funding to purchase four police vehicles to phase out aging patrol cars.

Police Chief Danny Holmes said the department has spent a lot of money on trying to maintain several vehicles with over 100,000 miles. Homes said they need to be replaced.

“We’re limited on funds as everybody is, and when you start spending thousands and thousands of dollars on maintenance to keep the vehicles running, it can sure take a toll on my budget,” Holmes said.

Holmes said the department would receive $200,000 if awarded. Holmes said some of the grant would also be used to purchase about six or seven tasers.

“We’re just going to try to sell some of the older cars and recoup some more money to do some other things with,” Holmes said. “Also in that grant was to buy us some new tasers. Our tasers are getting quite old, batteries and everything like that.”

Holmes said patrol cars often serve as an officer’s office, so getting new vehicles would boost morale for the department. Holmes said the paperwork for the grant was submitted by UCDD Tuesday.

“We’re hoping to hear something from the Upper Cumberland Development District in the next couple of weeks,” Holmes said.

Holmes said he has located a dealer in Nashville that has vehicles available, so the department will hopefully avoid a long lead time. Holmes said most departments face up to a year wait before receiving a vehicle.