Butler County had been awarded $125,000 from the Department of Homeland Security.

According to Butler County Emergency Management Agency Director Shirley Sandy, the funds were made available after a number of counties failed to spend grant money awarded in 2011 by the deadline. The unspent money was recalled and counties were allowed to apply for those funds.

Nine agencies in Butler County will receive a portion of the funds.

“The agencies awarded were the ones that had submitted a wish list to me prior to applying for this grant,” said Sandy. “Those wish lists were attached to the application, and that was who Homeland Security awarded the grant to.”

The Greenville Police Department is among the agencies benefiting from the grant money.

It received $48,658.38 to be used to purchase 22 Kenwood mobile radios, 22 Nexedge portable radios with accessories, three night vision monoculars and 13 gas mask kits for the departments Special Response Team.

“We’re happy to get this, and happy that (Butler County EMA Director) Shirley (Sandy) saw fit to include us in this,” said Greenville Police Department Chief Lonzo Ingram. “The good thing about these (radios) is they are digital, so when the time comes and everything switches over to digital, and it’s coming, we’ll be good to go.”

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office was awarded $18,586.54 to purchase GPS radios, body video cameras, and night vision goggles.

The Butler County Road Department was awarded $35,912.35 for a repeater, software, and GPS radios. The Butler County EMA was awarded $5,738.99 for a new computer system and a quadcopter for first responder search and rescue efforts.

The Providence & Mount Pisgah Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $1,134.95 for radios, first aid bags, and chain saws.

The Searcy Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $654.50 for miscellaneous fire tools, while the Forest Home Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $185 for a Lifepak battery.

The BS and W Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $6,363.70 for turn-out gear, and miscellaneous fire tools, and the Shackleville Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $5,931 for A 24-foot by 24-foot flat-form lifting bag.

The agencies have until May 2 to have the allocated funds spent, the items received and he invoices submitted. Sandy said the majority of the items have already been purchased.

“Most have already purchased their items, and have stayed within their award,” she said. “Some prices have gone up or down, and shipping is also associated with the cost. We have a short time to spend $125,000.00 or as close to it as possible.”

If an agency fails to meet the deadline, the funds will be spent on other items that have already been approved.