Willimantic is hiring two police officers using $550,526 awarded through a federal program for beefing up or keeping law enforcement staffs intact, authorities say.
Congressman Joe Courtney and the police chief for the eastern Connecticut city jointly announced Friday the award from the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, administered by the Justice Department.
The money will cover the hired officers’ full-time salary and benefits for three years, they said.
“I have seen firsthand the challenges that police officers face in Willimantic and am glad to help provide this vital funding for the community,” Courtney said in a statement. “The COPS hiring program not only increases public safety but helps create good paying jobs that are vital to eastern Connecticut.”
Willimantic Police Chief Lisa Maruzo-Bolduc said the grant is a welcome relief. The force has 42 officers, according to the town’s Web site.
“We have been short-staffed and while two officers might not seem like a lot, it makes all the difference to the police force,” Bolduc said.
