By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — In a statement released Monday, from Governor Kay Ivey's office,  more than $234,751 has been awarded through an equipment grant program thar will help ten, DeKalb County police departments.

The breakdown of funds are as follows: Collinsville, Crossville, Fyffe, Geraldine, Mentone, Powell and Valley Head police departments are each receiving $24,000.  Ider Police Department will be receiving $23,881.15, Rainsville Police Department is receiving $23,100 and Sylvania Police Department will receive $19,770.

Rainsville Police Chief Kevin Smith said, "Thankful is not a strong enough word. We plan to update the radar of every patrol car in our fleet with this money. We are very thankful."

“All of us owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who risk their lives enforcing our laws and protecting us,” Ivey said in a statement released on Monday. “We can never repay those officers for their sacrifices, but I am hopeful that these funds will in some way show appreciation for jobs well done.”