The Farmers Bank pledged to match up to $5,000.00 for all donations made to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Fund from the beginning of September through October 31. The Clinton County community rises to the challenge and exceeds the $5,000.00 match goal with donations totaling $6,491.53. The combination of the community donations and The Farmers Bank’s donation totaled $11,491.53. The money raised will be used to purchase some much needed equipment for the SWAT Team including new tactical communication headsets and ballistic shields that offer rifle protection.
The donations from the community came from a combination of local individual donors, businesses and foundations. Donations as small as $5.00 and as large as $2,500.00 were received during the two month campaign.
“The Farmers Bank recognizes the importance and need to protect our first responders and our community. It is critical that our first responders have the necessary communication equipment and protective shields to keep them and us safe during SWAT situations. The Farmers Bank’s board of directors, management and staff want to say thank you to the businesses and residents of Clinton County for helping us keep our community safer,” says Karen F. Gregerson, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Farmers Bank.
The Clinton County Regional SWAT Team is comprised of personnel from four different agencies within Clinton County including the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Frankfort Police Department, Frankfort Fire Department, and the Rossville Police Department. They are extremely active and routinely respond to 10-15 high risk incidents in Clinton County each year. The SWAT Team responds to high risk calls such as armed barricaded subjects, violent wanted subjects, and hostage search and rescue missions. They also are very proactive in providing Active Shooter Training in the schools and community.
“I would like to thank The Farmers Bank for their support and for spearheading this campaign to raise money for the purchase of desperately needed communications equipment and shields for SWAT. This equipment is an integral part of all SWAT operations regarding safety of SWAT members and the public.” said Jeff Ward, Clinton County Sheriff.
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office will recognize all SWAT Fund donors on a Public Safety Partners donor board to be located at the sheriff’s office
The Farmers Bank is a $550 million asset organization chartered in 1876 with headquarters in Frankfort, IN. The Farmers Bank is locally owned and operated with 10 banking offices located in Central Indiana providing retail, business, trust & asset management, investment, mortgage, and electronic banking services. Additional information can be found at www.thefarmersbank.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
Photo Caption:
Pictured from left: Thomas D. Crawford, Chairman of the Board-The Farmers Bank, Jeff Ward, Clinton County Sheriff, Karen Gregerson, President & CEO-The Farmers Bank, Daniel Roudebush, Assistant SWAT Commander-Clinton County Sheriff’s Office