It was a light day for the Wetzel County Commission as they met only one appointment at Tuesday’s meeting. Chief Deputy Rob Haught and Cpl. Roger Spragg of the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Department met with the commission to update them on the Homeland Security grant the department has been given. The department recently received its final approval letter and gave the commission copies of all documents pertaining to the grant awarded.

The grant is for a total of $157,466.90 to be used toward equipment for the department for specialized equipment and technology as well as helpful tools for day-to-day operations. Among many items to be purchased are military grade laptop computers, digital in-car cameras, and a specialized underwater camera for search and rescues to aid the fire departments.

The grant is through several channels, including the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety. The grant is a 100 percent grant, meaning there are no funds to be matched by the Sheriff’s Department.

The grant is, however, a reimbursement grant. This factor adds to the importance of keeping the county commission in the loop as they will cover all of the department’s costs for the items listed under the grant and will be reimbursed a few weeks after all appropriate steps are taken through purchasing.

The commission thanked Haught and Spragg for their hard work put into the grant as well as on the job.

The Wetzel County Sheriff’s Department will soon begin purchases on new and vital equipment for the department and the county.