The Rumford and Mexico police departments received a total of $7,301 to help combat motorists who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the summer months.
The funds are part of $142,000 distributed to 34 Maine police departments and sheriff’s offices around the state by the federal government. The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is administering the money.
In Rumford, Chief Stacy Carter said his town’s $4,741 will be used to pay for additional shifts during peak holiday weekends to set up road checks for impaired drivers. In the past, checks have been set up along Route 2 and on Lincoln Avenue. He said the department sets up at different locations each year.
Officer Paul Casey and Lt. George Cayer will administer and coordinate the extra patrol shifts.
“This is for public awareness, to let them know we are out there,” said Carter, adding that sometimes the additional patrols discover other violations, as well. “The grant is to keep the highway safe.”
The Mexico Police Department received $2,560 for additional patrol shifts. Chief Jim Theriault said the funds would allow one extra patrol a week and two roadblocks during the summer.
He said his department may join with the Rumford Police Department for one roadblock.
The grant runs through Sept. 15. Both departments have received similar funding for several years.
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