The West Hartford Police Department received a grant from the Walmart Foundation allowing for the purchase of a new laser.

West Hartford Police Department representatives with Walmart management. Submitted photo

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford Police Department’s speed enforcement efforts will be boosted thanks to a new laser purchased with a $1,500 grant received from the Walmart Foundation.

According to Capt. Jeff Rose, who heads the traffic division, the grant was awarded on Jan. 6, and was used to purchase the LTI TruSpeed LR on Feb. 11.

Rose said the manager of West Hartford’s Walmart Neighborhood Market, Laton Johnson, helped the department obtain the grant from the Walmart Foundation. West Hartford’s Walmart store closed on Jan. 28, 2016, but the application was in the works prior to the closing announcement. Town Manager Ron Van Winkle confirmed that the grant was received before the store closed.

Laser purchased by the West Hartford Police Department thanks to a grant from the Walmart Foundation. Submitted photo

“The report of speeding is one of the most common complaints from our residents. The complaint may come from a resident, pedestrian, or bicyclist in a neighborhood. This laser will allow West Hartford traffic officers to use the newest technology to enforce speed limits around town,” Rose said in a news release.

The grant for the laser is just one of many grants that the West Hartford Police Department has received. The department has also received grants for DWI and distracted driving enforcement as well as enforcement of seatbelt laws.

“All of our traffic grants are safety related and the Walmart grant is a welcome addition in the funding of our efforts,” Rose said.

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