Bernalillo County has been named the recipient of a $640,000 grant from the State Homeland Security Grant Program. This competitive award is provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and overseen by the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The funds will be utilized to bolster professional development training and aid in the maintenance and procurement of vital emergency response equipment.
The grant will also play a significant role in ensuring that suitable resources are available for New Mexicans with special needs during emergencies. According to a press release by Bernalillo County, several projects have been approved for funding through this grant. These include allocations of $205,000 for the Department of Emergency Management to acquire utility terrain vehicles, emergency sheltering equipment, and enhance existing emergency trailers; $250,000 for the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office for training and SWAT equipment; $125,000 for Bernalillo County’s Metro Air Support Unit (MASU); $30,000 for the Rescue Task Force; and an additional $30,000 designated for election security initiatives within the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office.
"This grant will allow us to purchase essential sheltering equipment," says Tom Walmsley, Director of Emergency Management at Bernalillo County. "The Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon fire highlighted a critical statewide gap in our ability to provide aid for people with disabilities in times of emergencies and disasters. Thanks to this grant, we’re now set up to develop New Mexico’s first access and functional needs shelter trailer, which will be outfitted with vital equipment to care for individuals with special needs."
According to its About webpage, the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) commits itself to a comprehensive program that emphasizes hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, attack prevention, and disaster recovery. DHSEM collaborates with law enforcement agencies at various levels to gather and share intelligence on potential threats. It also manages the distribution of federal grants to communities, supports border security efforts, and oversees fire safety through the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
