OK grants to benefit local sheriff’s departments

OKLAHOMA — A recent Oklahoma grant earmarked to help sheriff’s departments across the state will help with ongoing budget concerns often faced by financially strapped departments in northeast Oklahoma.

Ottawa, Delaware, and Craig County Sheriff’s Department were three of 77 counties that have applied for grant funding through a new program administered by Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office to bolster law enforcement services.

“This funding to all 77 counties will help sheriff’s offices statewide strengthen their operations and enhance public safety,” Drummond said. “I appreciate the work of the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association in helping to ensure all counties receive support.”

House Bill 2914 created the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office Funding Assistance Grant Program during this year’s legislative session and appropriated $18 million to the fund. Counties were invited to apply for grants from $150,000 to $300,000, depending on their total tangible property valuation.

Gov. Kevin Stitt passed and signed a bill revision on June 14. Now, sheriff’s departments can use the grant money for office operations, including training, technology, equipment, capital improvements, and more.

Ottawa County Sheriff David Dean said the grant funding will help the county obtain items it would not otherwise be able to and allow Dean to give employees a stipend.

“Any financial support is very much appreciated and I am thankful the state will be assisting us,” Dean said. “Hopefully, this is something the state will continue to help us with.”

Since Dean cannot use the funding for salary increases, he wants to give each employee a one-time stipend.

Other plans include buying Axon body cameras for the deputies, uniforms for the employees, outfitting the jail with metal stools and benches, and possibly buying a couple of used vehicles.

“We are very thankful and grateful to our legislatures,” said Craig County Sheriff Heath Winfrey.

The Craig County Sheriff’s Office received $150,000. Winfrey said he plans to use the money to pay stipends to the department’s full-time and part-time deputies and jail staff.

“The bill was intended to help with salaries, but it didn’t pass,” Winfrey said. “It was intended to set minimum standard salaries.”

The revised bill allows Winfrey to use grant monies for stipends.

At a recent Delaware County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners approved Delaware County Sheriff James Beck’s grant application.

Beck helped with lobbying for the legislation, and with the grant, Beck wants to fund laptop and desk computers, vehicles, and fuel.

Drummond’s office reviews all grant applications and will send agreements to sheriffs and county commissioners later this month.

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