Thanks to a Four County Community Foundation grant, the Dryden Township Police Department was able to purchase new medical kits in the fall of 2022 that officers can use when responding to emergency situations.
Previously, officers relied on kits that were approximately 20 years-old and although supplies in those kits were replaced as needed, the new kits include items that either didn’t exist some two decades ago or have been improved thanks to technological advancements, notes Dryden Township Police Chief Shawn Peters. In addition to general first aid items, officers will have quick access to tourniquets, chest seals, splints and more. The smaller kits are wearable and can be strapped onto an officer’s belt and the larger kits will be carried in patrol vehicles to be used in a variety of situations.
Sgt. Adam Chesnutt said the contents of the kits “will help ease a lot of pain” for members of the public and allow officers, typically the first ones on scene, to start rendering aid while waiting for an ambulance crew to arrive.
Peters said the department is grateful to be able to utilize grant dollars for the new medical kits. The 24/7 department is funded by a voter-approved millage and collection of that millage changes based on home values.
“That means we don’t have a lot of wiggle room in our budget for upgrades,” Peters said.
In 2018, the Dryden Township Police Department was the recipient of a $3,800-plus grant from the Four County Community Foundation that was used to purchase three new defibrillators to be placed in their patrol units.
Four County Community Foundation is a non-profit community organization that seeks to make a positive impact in the communities they serve in southeastern Lapeer County, western St. Clair County, northern Macomb County, and northeastern Oakland County.
For more information about Four County Community Foundation, visit 4ccf.org or call (810) 798-0909.
Photo: Four County Community Foundation Executive Director Kathy Dickens (center) presents grant check to Sgt. Adam Chesnutt (left) and Chief Shawn Peters (right) of the Dryden Township Police Department. The grant dollars were used toward the purchase of medical kits displayed on the hood of the patrol car.