(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) announced today that the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a $148,084 grant by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of the FY2006 Bureau of Justice Assistance Congressionally Mandated Awards. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office will use the funds to implement a variety of law enforcement initiatives utilizing a retro-fitted military surplus helicopter and the services of fully-trained and licensed helicopter pilots.

“This funding will help provide the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department with the necessary tools and resources to do their job and keep our communities safe,” said McMorris. “One of my top priorities is to ensure the security of our nation and communities, and I will continue to work with local law enforcement to accomplish this goal. By working together we will make Eastern Washington a safe place to live, work and raise a family.”

The helicopter funding will help with the implementation of a variety of law enforcement initiatives, such as search and rescues, surveillance, traffic emphasis patrols, and drug enforcement interdiction operations.

“We are pleased that Department of Justice recognizes the value of a law enforcement helicopter program in Eastern Washington,” said Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich. “Because the helicopter will be utilized to assist some federal programs as well as local law enforcement needs, I am pleased that the DOJ funding offsets some of the financial burden of Spokane County taxpayers.”