Lower Makefield Twp. Gets School Safety Grant

Lower Makefield Township is getting a funding boost that will help stop school violence and encourage positive and regular student-police interactions, according to a press release from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

According to the release, the township will receive $59,976 to hire and train a school resource officer, who will serve as a liaison between police and Charles Boehm, Pennwood and William Penn middle schools.

"This funding will help students transitioning from elementary school into middle school to practice their skills to avoid risky behaviors in the school setting and hopefully that provides the foundation for them outside of school as well," State Rep. Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks, said in the release. "I am proud that Lower Makefield Township Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Ken Coluzzi, continues to be a leader in professional community policing."

The money is part of $6.5 million in competitive grants that have been awarded statewide for the training and compensation of school resource officers and school police officers, and to prevent and reduce violent incidents through programs and security equipment, the release said.

"As a former teacher and a parent, I know the middle school years can be difficult for many kids, so it’s helpful for kids to have another advocate in their support network to keep them on the right path," Santarsiero said.

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