City of Tonawanda – Today, Oct. 7, 2022, New York State Assemblyman Bill Conrad announced he has secured $125,000 in state funding for the City of Tonawanda Police Department’s capital and equipment needs, and an additional $73,000 for a Tonawanda City Schools’ resource officer position.

A $125,000 State and Municipal (SAM) facilities grant will cover the creation of three new dispatch stations, two to be located at police headquarters on Niagara Street and another at the Tonawanda Fire Department’s main station on William Street. The expected cost is $46,500.

In addition, the department will replace outdated 911 recording equipment, which serves both police and fire, at a cost of $17,500.

Another $21,000 will be used to replace roughly a dozen aging portable radio units for individual police officers.

Finally, $40,000 of the SAM grant will go toward the purchase of a new Ford Expedition. This SUV is used for transport of the department’s underwater-recovery trailer, of the child safety seat inspection trailer, and of speed signs and other equipment that requires trailering. It is also used by the combined Tonawanda-North Tonawanda SWAT team in emergency and training exercises and events. The department’s current Expedition is at the end of its lifespan, necessitating its replacement.

A separate grant in the amount of $73,000 is earmarked for the Tonawanda City School District, to help it add a second full-time resource officer position. As the district prepares to transition all students in grades UPK-5 to the new Tonawanda Elementary School, it has introduced SRO Kyle Gallivan, who joins SRO Jason Balling. Balling has been serving in this capacity for the past seven years.

Assemblyman Bill Conrad said, “Since my time in this elected office, it has been made clear to me that few issues are as important to my constituents as public safety. We are fortunate in the 140th Assembly District to have some of the most dedicated and talented police officers in New York State, and it is my privilege to support them with the resources they need to keep their equipment up to date and continue serving us to the best of their ability. I was thrilled to also secure funding for the Tonawanda Schools’ resource officer position, as I know from my years in teaching how much it means to the kids to have another trusted adult in their buildings on a consistent basis. It enriches all our lives when our students and their families feel safe in their home away from home, and when the youth of our community build healthy relationships like these, understanding they can rely on the police to help them succeed and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.”

City of Tonawanda Mayor John White said, “I am very thankful that Assemblyman Conrad was able to secure funds to provide both the necessary resources and additional personnel for the City of Tonawanda Police Department and the Tonawanda School District. Safety is a major concern of mine. This funding will provide three new dispatch stations, a dozen new portable radios, replacement of an aging vehicle, and most importantly, help with the cost of an additional school resource officer. We live in a very different world. I want our city to be prepared for all situations that may arise and impact the health, safety, and welfare of every citizen, from the youngest to the oldest. The funds provided to us by Assemblyman Conrad make reaching those goals possible.”

City of Tonawanda Police Chief William Strassburg said, “This funding is directly benefiting public safety in the City of Tonawanda, and the new dispatch center and 911 equipment upgrades help maintain critical lifesaving responses. This equipment would be virtually impossible to replace without the assistance of Assemblyman Conrad.”

Tonawanda City Schools Superintendent Tim Oldenburg said, “The Tonawanda City School District values its partnership with the Tonawanda Police Department. Our organizations work closely on many initiatives, programs and professional development that best provide a safe environment for our students and staff. An SRO program is most successful when it employs the right person in the right place at the right time. Together, SROs Balling and Gallivan will serve in each building in the district to provide programming such as D.A.R.E. and the Junior Police Academy, to develop meaningful relationships with students and staff, and to guide and support the emerging trends in safety and health, for the benefit of those directly connected to our schools. The vision and action of Assemblyman Conrad with regard to this urgent and important aspect of providing safety in public schools cannot be overstated.”