The El Mirage Police Department (EMPD) is set to beef up its enforcement against drunk driving and improve road safety, thanks to a financial boost from the state government. According to a recent news release on the official City of El Mirage website, EMPD, along with the El Mirage Fire Department (EMFD), have been allocated three grants from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) through the 402 Funding for FY2024/2025. The grants, totaling $47,500, will enable police to more aggressively pursue impaired drivers and engage in the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP).
It's essential for law enforcement to not only enforce but also to educate in order to effectively deter dangerous driving behaviors. To this end, part of the granted funds will be dedicated to overtime for officers who are working to reduce instances of impaired driving. As the City of El Mirage revealed in its media release, "The grants will be utilized in the coming months for overtime support for police offices in combatting impaired drivers and participating in the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP)." The grants will undoubtedly give officers the resources they need to more thoroughly patrol the streets.
Equally important to public safety, the El Mirage Fire Department is set to expand its approach to occupant protection. EMFD’s slice of the grant pie is earmarked for the Occupant Protection Car Seat Program. This initiative is critical in ensuring that the youngest members of our community are securely and properly protected while on the move.
These grants are a significant contribution to the local community's ongoing efforts to upgrade road safety. It can only be hoped that the additional funding will directly translate to fewer accidents and a steeper decline in traffic-related injuries and fatalities. The specific details on how the funds will be dispersed remain to be fully seen, but what is clear is the city's commitment to making safety a top priority on its streets. For more information on the grants and future safety programs, interested residents can visit the City of El Mirage's official announcement.
