125118453_web1_101718738_10159888028452588_3009212859633631232_n

Tractor trailer crashes into home in Wyoming County

125118282_web1_Coronavirus--1-

16 new conformed cases of COVID-19 in Luzerne County; 2 more deaths

Two area police departments will share nearly $2 million through the federal Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program to support the hiring of additional law enforcement officers.
				U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Moosic, said the Hazleton Police Department will receive $1,342,497 and U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, announced the Berwick Police Department will receive $5,66,123.
				&ldquo;The coronavirus pandemic is straining local government budgets, and that makes it hard to keep essential services like police and first response up and running,&rdquo; Cartwright stated in a news release. &ldquo;More federal support to help our local governments weather this economic fallout is badly needed, but these resources will bolster Hazleton&rsquo;s efforts to keep the city safe in this challenging time.&rdquo;
				Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat stated, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s great to see that the federal leaders of our Commonwealth recognize the issues we&rsquo;re dealing with in Hazleton, and that they&rsquo;re stepping up to support us. This takes a big financial burden off our city at a time when we need more resources for our law enforcement.&rdquo;
				Meuser said the grant awarded to Berwick police comes at a time of the coronavirus outbreak.
				&ldquo;I am pleased to announce this grant for the Berwick Police Department through the COPS Hiring Program. As the department continues to work overtime to keep the community safe and defend against drug-related crimes and the challenges brought on by the coronavirus, they have identified the need to increase their community engagement. I want to thank Chief Kenn Strish and the Berwick Police Department for their services,&rdquo; Meuser stated in a news release.
				&ldquo;This grant will be transformative for our police department and the greater Berwick community. With this funding, we will be able to build upon our community engagement efforts and further succeed in our primary goal of keeping people safe. I am grateful for Congressman Meuser&rsquo;s efforts to advocate on our behalf. Without his assistance, it would not have been possible,&rdquo; Strish stated.
				Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by providing direct funding for the hiring of career law enforcement officers.

Two area police departments receive federal grants