Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman on Friday presented checks to six area police departments for their efforts in combating illegal drug use in the county.
During a brief ceremony at the Schuylkill County Courthouse, Holman presented representatives of the departments a combined total of $6,010.50 for their efforts in working with the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.
“These departments have worked diligently to rid our communities of drug dealers and users,” the district attorney said.
Departments receiving money were Tamaqua, $1,177.40; Schuylkill Haven, $354.80; Mahanoy Township, $436.50; West Mahanoy Township, $240.72; Shenandoah, $2,330.92; and Hegins Township, $1,470.16.
Holman commended the officers of the six departments receiving money for their ongoing efforts in battling illegal narcotics.
“These fine officers not only work their regular hours for their departments but have logged additional house of overtime for the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force in a collaborative effort to combat the war on drugs,” she said.
Holman said her office was able to remit “well-earned” dollars to the departments as the result of an annual stipend from the District Attorney’s office.
“The District Attorney’s office appreciates the funding and will continue to distribute monies to police departments working with the drug task force,” she said.
Taking part in the presentation, in addition to Holman, were Schuylkill County Clerk of Courts Maria Casey, former first assistant district attorney; John Fegley, first assistant district attorney; West Mahanoy Township police officer in charge, Ray Tonkinson; Tamaqua police Cpl. Henry Woods; Mahanoy Township police Chief, Brandon Alexander; and Schuylkill Haven police Sgt. Glenn Firing.
Not in attendance were representatives from Shenandoah and Hegins Township.
“As the District Attorney of Schuylkill County, it was my privilege to work alongside a team of law enforcement professionals dedicated to the health and safety of our communities,” Holman said. “Ridding our towns of drugs is a top priority of mine and shared by law enforcement.”
The district attorney personally extended a “heartfelt thanks” to all law enforcement who work tirelessly to combat the war on drugs.
“Schuylkill County citizens deserve to live in drug-free communities and having law enforcement work with the drug task force is precisely what is needed to achieve the quality of life expected by all,” Holman said.