Reporter: James Gherardi l Videographer: R.J. Burnette
Halifax Co., VA - The Halifax County Sheriff's Office is the proud owner of six new vehicles. Officials said their fleet, which was dated, was becoming a danger to officers.
The sheriff's office hadn't received any new cars since 2008.
Just over a year ago, Halifax County applied to a federal grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Agency. The grant was approved and a few months later, officers received six new Dodge Chargers.
The grant was a 75/25 agreement with the federal government. Meaning, the USDA would pay 75 percent or $138,000 and Halifax County would pay 25 percent or $46,000. The grant was funded through the Community Facility Program in the USDA. The program serves to support hospitals, airports, police stations and municipalities in need of extra money.
Halifax County was chosen based on a few criteria: median household income, county unemployment figures and population.
County officials estimate that the new cars will play a significant role in helping reduce crime, but also in keeping officers safe.
