(Lawrenceville, Ga., Dec.13, 2012) – The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) has awarded two grants to the Gwinnett Police Department. The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners accepted the grants on Tuesday.

One grant, for $190,766, goes to the Hazardous Devices Unit for upgrades to existing robots. Gwinnett Emergency Management Director Greg Swanson said there is no matching money required for either of the two grants.

The same unit will also get a second grant of $3,500 to support a K-9 team for explosives detection. Swanson said, “We’re grateful to GEMA for awarding us these federal Homeland Security funds to help us deal with dangerous threats to public safety in Gwinnett.”

Commissioners also approved an agreement with GEMA that will help meet the needs of evacuees during disasters. GEMA will provide a cargo trailer valued at $6,500 loaded with almost $20,000 worth of equipment and supplies for emergency shelters. The trailer will be used to transport the shelter support equipment to various locations throughout Gwinnett County in the event shelters are needed.