ROCKINGHAM — Police patrol cars will soon be outfitted with new mobile data terminals thanks to a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.
The Rockingham City Council approved the $30,000 grant on Tuesday at the request of Chief George Gillenwater.
The Rockingham Police Department receives a substantial grant each year due to Sgt. Marcus Ricks serving as the district liaison for the GHSP.
“That’s a meaningful addition to the budget of the police department and a big help to the city and the taxpayers,” said Mayor John Hutchinson. “It’s really helped us keep current with equipment. We appreciate that dedication.”
Ricks took over as district liaison — which includes Richmond, Anson, Stanly, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Scotland, Montgomery Cumberland counties — following the retirement of former chief Billy Kelly, who had been in the role since 2002.
Gillenwater told the RO the department plans to purchase seven MDTs.
The chief also referenced the recent news of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office receiving a grant of nearly $29,000 for MDTs from the Governor’s Crime Commission. Click here to read that story.
The Department received a $25,000 grant in 2021 and a $20,000 grant in 2019. The latter was used in-car laptops for patrol officers and to update the in-car camera systems.
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Later in the meeting, the council approved two appointments to the Richmond County Public Library Board: Rebecca Pierce Wright and Kristi Robinson.
Robinson was appointed to take the position held several years by Ken Bostic. Hutchinson said Bostic “has a lot on his plate.”
However, as the RO previously reported, Robinson’s appointment was approved by the Richmond County Board of Commissioners in May.
Wright has also served several years on the board.
The term is for three years.
Hutchinson also made three appointments to the Rockingham Housing Authority Board: Marc Humann, Sandra Smith and David Stogner.
All three have been serving for several years.
Those appointments are for a five-year term.
