Davids Highlights Federal Funding for Olathe Police and Fire Departments Public Safety Projects
OLATHE, KS - Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited the Olathe Police and Fire Departments to tour two public safety projects that she sponsored for federal funding. Davids toured the Police Department's Mobile Command Unit and the Fire Department's Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program, two of the 15 Davids-requested projects approved by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Both tools would allow first responders to improve response times and effectiveness while working on-the-go.
"I requested this federal funding alongside Olathe city officials to help the police and fire departments make our neighborhoods safer," said Davids. "These investments mean upgrading and expanding existing programs that are working well so they work even more effectively moving forward. All Kansans should feel safe and cared for in their community, and I look forward to seeing how these federal funds benefit Olathe's mobile units."
Rep. Sharice Davids in front of the Olathe Police Department's Mobile Command Post that was approved for federal funding.
"The Olathe Police Department appreciates the opportunity to apply for federal grants which allow us to bring the newest technology to our community to help prevent, reduce and solve crime in a fiscally responsible way," said Mike Butaud, Olathe Police Chief.
The Appropriations Committee approved Davids' request for the Olathe Police Department to upgrade technology in the existing Police Command Post to include wireless capability for real-time assessment. The Mobile Command Post is used during critical incidents within the Kansas City Metro area and includes various pieces of technology, public safety software, communications gear, and other vital tools.
The Appropriations Committee also approved Davids' request for the Olathe Fire Department to expand their Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program to include a new, second team. The MIH program is a community-based health care program that uses community paramedics, who work directly with other health care professionals, to provide needs-based, on-site urgent and non-urgent care.
Rep. Sharice Davids at the Olathe Fire Department touring their Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program.
More details on the City of Olathe's funding request can be found here and here. The latest Appropriations Committee reports can be found here. Each of the 15 Davids-requested projects was submitted in conjunction with local officials and selected for its potential to improve health and safety in the community, tackle climate change, and bring economic opportunity to the Third District. Appropriations requests are subject to strict transparency and accountability rules, which can be found here.