By Pat Culverhouse

Webster Parish deputies will now have more critical office and field equipment at their disposal, thanks to a grant from the Webster Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Director Brian Williams presented the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division funding worth $7,600 for the purchase of four RTS tactical ballistic shields, 20 4K digital cameras, three label printers and 13 fingerprint kits.

“These items will be very beneficial to our deputies, and we certainly appreciate the efforts of Brian and Homeland Security in helping us with grants for this equipment,” Sheriff Jason Parker said.

Williams said the grant money is funneled to his local office through the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for distribution to local law enforcement and first responders.

“Each year, local agencies submit a ‘wish list’ of priority items to us. We look at their needs, analyze our annual allotment and help where we can,” Williams said.

Last year, the Sheriff’s Office received a $12,000 grant for body armor and body cameras for school resource officers. Parker said that equipment is being put to use daily.

“Those were things we really needed and Brian stepped up and got us the grant to make the purchases,” he said. “Those items, along with what we’re receiving this year, go a long way toward keeping our officers well equipped as we work to keep the public safe.”

“We’re just glad we can support local law enforcement. Our goal is to continue filling their needs,” Williams said.