The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to the local community for financial assistance in purchasing some much needed equipment for the SWAT Team. The SWAT Team needs approximately $8,235 to purchase nine new tactical communication headsets and $7,500 to replace two ballistic shields that have been expired since 2003 with two new ones that offer rifle protection.
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.
“In light of recent events, 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. Please consider joining us in helping make Clinton County safer,” says Karen F. Gregerson, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Farmers Bank.
Currently the Clinton County Council budgets $3,000 towards the SWAT Team each year and the Frankfort City Council also budgets $3,000 annually. While $6,000 sounds like sufficient funds to operate a rural SWAT Team, the monies are primarily used for maintenance, training, and to replace chemical and less lethal munitions each year and do not go far toward the purchase of new and modern safety equipment. These are NOT luxury items. This equipment is much needed to provide for the health and safety of our first responders and citizens of Clinton County.
“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. It is my hope that our community will accept the challenge made by The Farmers Bank and make a financial contribution towards the purchase of this important equipment and gear,” said Jeff Ward, Clinton County Sheriff.
A special account has been set up at The Farmers Bank for this purpose. Checks may be deposited at any Farmers Bank location or mailed to The Farmers Bank at 9 E. Clinton St., Frankfort, IN 46041. All checks should specify SWAT Fund on the memo line.
The Farmers Bank will match all donated funds up to $5,000 through Wednesday, October 31, 2018. For example, if local donors give $5,000 to Clinton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Fund, The Farmers Bank will match up to $5,000 and grant Clinton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Fund a total of $10,000.
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. All questions should be directed to Sergeant Daniel Roudebush, Assistant SWAT Commander, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office at 765-659-6393.
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.