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Google"The City of Hornersville Board of Alderman, its citizens, and I thank Ms. Anglin and USDA Rural Development for their funding of this grant," said Richard Mara, mayor. "Without this grant the city would have been unable to purchase a new car for our Police Department. We are greatly appreciative of the opportunity to put a new car in service in Hornersville and to retire our old vehicle. I would also like to offer personal thanks to Ms. Phyllis Minner and Ms. Tresia Webb for all of their assistance in applying for and securing this grant."
Missouri's U.S. Senators Christopher Kit Bond and Claire McCaskill, and U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson were helpful in securing the money for the city. None of the lawmakers were able to attend the presentation, but their offices issued statements for the occasion.
"The new police car and equipment is crucial to the protection of Hornersville residents and the police officers who risk their lives to protect them," Bond said in the statement.
"It's terrible to think that anywhere in Missouri police officers don't have access to top quality equipment," said McCaskill. "I'm pleased this federal funding will help the City of Hornersville provide better vehicles for the first responders who put their lives on the line to protect Missouri's families."
"Hornersville has a great opportunity to acquire a new police cruiser with the assistance of USDA Rural Development. The first responders there work very hard to keep the community safe and well-policed. I am glad to congratulate them on this acquisition as they continue their good work on behalf of the people of Hornersville. This good program is the result of a lot of dedicated people who support the same enhancement of public safety in our rural communities, and I am grateful for all of their efforts," Emerson said.
The City of Hornersville's Police Department consists of one full-time and two part-time officers to serve 686 residents within a 15-square mile service area. The current patrol vehicle that the department has access to is mostly inoperable and extremely costly to maintain. The officers have resorted to using their personal vehicles to patrol Hornersville due to the other vehicle either being in the shop or simply not working. With the funding provided by Rural Development, the Police Department has been able to obtain a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria patrol car from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The patrol car has the basic police package with a communication system, thus ensuring the officers will be better able to respond in situations where police protection is needed.
he funding for the vehicle is provided through USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities (CF) Program. In addition to police vehicles, the CF loan and grant program also provides funding to help rural communities finance essential community facilities, health services, and the purchase of equipment which will provide vital services to rural residents.
"USDA Rural Development is pleased to be able to furnish the funds for purchase of a police vehicle," said Morris Westfall, Missouri Rural Development State Director. "Dependable transportation for the City of Hornersville's law-enforcement personnel is important to the protection and safety of the residents."