Dodge County sheriff’s office receives grants

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office received two grants and a few other items from its participation in Nebraska Office of Highway Safety programs.

The sheriff’s office received two $3,000 grants for squad car light bars and tire deflation devices, said chief deputy Tom Tamke.

Those devices are used to puncture the tires of vehicles when drivers are fleeing from officers.

In November and December 2004, the sheriff’s office was part of different highway safety programs, Tamke said.

In November 2004, the local department participated in a seatbelt enforcement program, and in December 2004 it was part of an alcohol enforcement program.

Tamke said the grants were awarded because of high percentages of seatbelt usage.

About a week before the programs, deputies surveyed drivers’ seatbelt usage. A similar survey was conducted later.

Along with that, the sheriff’s office also received word that it is getting two digital cameras and two glass tint meters to determine if window tinting is within legal limits, he said.

“These were unexpected awards from the state,” Tamke said.