Vermont U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy announced Monday that $600,000 in grants will go to five Vermont communities to help them hire new law enforcement officers.
The Department of Justice COPS Hiring grants will go to the Essex, Franklin and Orange counties Sheriff Departments and the Hardwick and Village of Winhall Police departments.
The funds cover up to 75 percent of entry level salaries and benefits for three years. It will allow each department to hire one new full time officer.
Senator Leahy, a Democrat, said he was pleased that this year’s grants will help some of the state’s most rural areas.