The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will be purchasing a mobile command center thanks to a federal grant.
In January, 7th District Congressman Eugene Vindman announced he was able to secure $2.75 million for law enforcement and public safety projects in the district. Among them was $500,000 for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office to purchase and deploy a unified mobile command center. The vehicle will be used by first responders to establish operational command, communications and coordination between agencies during critical events. The need for such a unit became apparent during the 2023 Quaker Run Fire which burned nearly 4,000 acres near Syria. Sheriff Erik Weaver said the county’s response was being conducted from the back of a utility trailer which was less than ideal. He said the unit can also be used at the county’s numerous events including the annual Labor Day weekend Taste of the Mountains street festival and the county fair.
“This is a small community,” Weaver said. “This fills a great need for us.”
“I was proud to secure millions of dollars to support local law enforcement agencies across Virginia’s Seventh District, ensuring they have the resources they need to protect families and respond effectively when it matters most,” Vindman said. “These investments strengthen public safety while supporting the officers who serve with professionalism and dedication every day. My team worked closely with local law enforcement leaders to deliver this funding, and I’m grateful for their partnership in keeping our communities safe.”
Other funded law enforcement and public safety projects include $1.04 million to replace mobile radios in patrol vehicles in Stafford County; $245,000 for the Town of Culpeper to install emergency call boxes throughout the Culpeper Trail Network; and $967,000 for critical equipment and infrastructure upgrades at the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office.
