WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded $501,200 to 40 police, sheriff and fire departments across Alabama.  Daphne Police Department received $8,000 under the program.

This funding is awarded through the fiscal year 2008 Emergency Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program, which aims to enhance regional response capabilities by providing technology, equipment and training to law enforcement and emergency responders.

CEDAP provides equipment in five categories: extrication devices; thermal imaging, night vision and video surveillance tools; chemical, biological and radiological detection tools; information technology and risk management tools; and vehicle tracking tools.