Freeport, NY - August 20, 2015 - U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) announced today that the Village of Freeport has been awarded $13,695 in federal funding to support overtime payments to law enforcement officers. The funds were awarded through the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which provides funding to states and local governments to support a range of crime prevention activities based on state and local needs.

“This federal investment helps make streets and neighborhoods safer for children, families and seniors in Freeport. When it comes to protecting our citizens we must be well-funded and smart, and this Department of Justice grant will help the Village of Freeport improve the public safety system,” said Senator Schumer.

“This federal investment will help support police officers who keep the streets and neighborhoods of Freeport safe and secure,” said Senator Gillibrand.  “Protecting our families and communities is a top priority and I will continue to push for funding to help get our police officers the resources needed to carry out their critical work more effectively.”

“The most important job we have at all levels of government is to keep people safe, and this funding will ensure that the Village of Freeport can meet their overtime staffing needs and continue to prevent crime in the Freeport community,” said Representative Kathleen Rice. “I’m pleased we were able to secure these funds for Freeport, and I’ll continue working to provide all communities in our district with the support they need to prevent crime and keep people safe.”

“The Freeport residents, Staff, and Police Department greatly appreciate the assistance of Senator Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congresswoman Rice for securing the JAG grant for the Village of Freeport,” said Village of Freeport Mayor Robert T. Kennedy. “This grant will provide additional overtime for our Police Department to ensure safety and security to all of the residents in Freeport.”