Crime & Safety

Grant Helps Canton Police Acquire Life-Saving Equipment

Canton police on Monday detailed new lifesaving tools funded by a recently acquired grant.

CPD Capt. Andrew Schiffer and CPD patrol officer Jonathan Phelps practice forcible entry techniques at Canton Fire and EMS Dept Station #3, as CPD Community Canine Officer 'Leo' looks on.
CPD Capt. Andrew Schiffer and CPD patrol officer Jonathan Phelps practice forcible entry techniques at Canton Fire and EMS Dept Station #3, as CPD Community Canine Officer 'Leo' looks on. (Canton Community Health Fund/Town of Canton)

CANTON, CT — The Canton Police Department has used a grant from the Canton Community Health Fund to purchase upgraded tactical equipment aimed at improving emergency response capabilities, officials said.

CPD Capt. Andrew Schiffer, patrol commander, said the investment supports officers’ ability to respond effectively in critical situations.

“Having our officers trained with the right equipment allows us to deliver lifesaving care or intervention when someone calls 911,” Schiffer said. “It’s what our citizens expect, and what we’re committed to delivering.”

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According to the department, the newly acquired tools include tactical entry equipment designed for multiple emergency scenarios.

Police said the tools can be used to force entry into a residence during urgent calls, assist in extricating trapped passengers from motor vehicle crashes, and serve as an anchor point during water rescues, securing ropes thrown to individuals in distress.

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Photos released by the department show Schiffer and Patrol Officer Jonathan Phelps training on forcible entry techniques at Canton Fire and EMS Department Station No. 3.

The funding came through a Community Partner Grant from the health fund, which supports local public safety and wellness initiatives.

Officials said the equipment upgrade represents a continued collaboration between the police department and the community fund to strengthen emergency preparedness in Canton.

Join CCHF in supporting the life-saving work of all of Canton's community partners with a donation to PayPal https://bit.ly/3OiK6jN or to PO Box 75, Collinsville, CT 06019.

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