Rep. Magaziner Secures Federal Funding for Cranston Police Department’s K-9 Unit to Keep Rhode Islanders Saf
WARWICK, R.I. — Today, U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) held a press conference to announce $344,000 in federal funding he secured for the Cranston Police Department to upgrade their K-9 vehicle fleet.
“Law enforcement officers and their canine counterparts work tirelessly to keep Rhode Islanders safe, and we owe it to them to ensure they have the equipment they need to do their jobs,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “I’m proud to secure this federal funding for the Cranston Police Department to support their K-9 unit and will continue to do my part in Congress to support local law enforcement.”
The patrol canines assist Cranston police officers in search and rescue operations of missing persons, search of property, and narcotic detection, among other duties.
The Cranston Police Department has needed replacements for four aged canine (K-9) transport and patrol police vehicles. This fleet of vehicles is utilized daily for three patrol dogs and one critical therapy dog named “CALI,” who comforts young victims of abuse in partnership with the Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
“We are incredibly grateful to Representative Magaziner for his tireless efforts in securing the much-needed federal funding for our new K-9 officer vehicles,” Mayor Ken Hopkins said. “Our officers and their canine counterparts play a vital part in various operations of the Cranston Police Department. This support will not only enhance the safety and efficiency of our police force but also strengthen the bond between our community and law enforcement. We truly appreciate his dedication to serving our town and making it a safer place for all residents.”
“The Cranston Police Department thanks Congressman Magaziner for his support of law enforcement by making this valuable grant opportunity available,” Cranston Police Chief, Col. Michael Winquist said. “These funds will allow us to replace four vehicles that are severely aged and currently serving the four canines under the care of the Department. Equipping our human and canine officers will ensure we provide optimum service to the residents of Cranston.”
“Cranston Police Department officers and their K-9 partners work day in and day out to protect our community, and they deserve the best equipment to help them in the course of their duties,” said RI State Representative Jackie Baginski (Dist. 17, Cranston). “I am grateful to Congressman Magaziner for securing this funding to keep Cranston residents safe.”
The Cranston Police K-9 unit funding is among 14 grant requests secured by Rep. Magaziner in the first tranche of government funding legislation for fiscal year 2024 that was signed into law by President Biden.
The full list of the 14 grants secured by Rep. Magaziner can be found here.
