Mrvan delivers $215,000 in federal funding to Munster Police
The Munster Police Department is preparing to upgrade its technology and other equipment using $215,000 in federal funds earmarked for the effort by U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland.
The Northwest Indiana congressman said he was honored to support front-line police officers and their work to improve public safety during a presentation Monday at Munster Town Hall.
"I will continue to support our dedicated law enforcement officers with the resources and tools they need to keep themselves and our communities safe," Mrvan said.
Munster Police Chief Stephen Scheckel said the money for technology upgrades obtained by Mrvan will improve efficiencies in the Munster Police Department and enhance officers' efforts to effectively investigate and solve crimes.
"We can always count on Congressman Mrvan to deliver for Munster. Frank has a servant’s heart and has always been a friend and supporter to law enforcement throughout my entire career, and this funding demonstrates his commitment to first responders and public safety," Scheckel said.
According to Munster Clerk-Treasurer Wendy Mis, the $215,000 investment not only eases the financial burden on local taxpayers but also demonstrates the town's long-term commitment to fiscal responsibility.
"The financial impact of this funding is significant — it allows us to allocate our local resources more effectively, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely while still providing our police department with the advanced tools necessary for effective law enforcement," Mis said.
Munster Town Council President David Nellans agreed: "I thank Congressman Mrvan for his long-standing support with the Town of Munster. His tireless work for our community, from the 2008 flood to the new technology for our law enforcement today, demonstrates his commitment to Northwest Indiana."
State Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster, likewise applauded the effort to bolster the technology and other equipment used by Munster police officers.
"I'm proud of the work Congressman Mrvan, the Munster police chief and our local law enforcement have done to make this achievement a reality. Our law enforcement officers play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe, and their sacrifices are invaluable," Andrade said.
The federal funds for Munster Police were part of Mrvan's $16 million in Community Project Funding requests included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 that was approved by Congress and signed into law by Democratic President Joe Biden in March.
Mrvan also designated federal spending for new cameras, radios and other technology for the police departments in Gary, Hammond, Merrillville and Michigan City in the federal appropriations measure.
The federal spending was supported by Mrvan and the entire Indiana congressional delegation, except for U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate; U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., the Republican nominee for governor; and U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Noblesville, records show.
Mrvan has requested $11 million in Region earmarks in the 2025 federal spending proposal, including money for police technology upgrades in Crown Point, Dyer, East Chicago, Griffith, Hobart, LaPorte, Schererville and Valparaiso.