Crime & Safety
Feds Reimburse Monroe Police for Sandy Hook School Security
The Town Council accepted an $862,000 federal grant to cover costs of police security for Sandy Hook Elementary School, which is housed in the Chalk Hill building.
Monroe police officers responded to the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown on Dec. 14, and have been providing security ever since the town allowed Sandy Hook to hold classes in the Chalk Hill building on Fan Hill Road.
Making parents, children and staff feel safe was priority number one. Nevertheless, costs of gas, technology and especially salaries and overtime pay for officers continued to escalate.
Police Chief John Salvatore and his staff tediously filled out the paperwork needed for the Office of Policy & Management in Connecticut. From there the request went to the Justice Department which approved an $862,000 grant.
On Monday night, Salvatore told the Town Council the money will reimburse the police department for actual costs from after Dec. 14 to June 30 and for estimated costs for the first half of this fiscal year (up until Dec. 31).
The Town Council unanimously voted to accept the grant on behalf of the town.
First Selectman Steve Vavrek praised Salvatore for all of the work his department has done.
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