Grant helps police add body-worn cameras
The Caernarvon Township Police Department recently was able to buy additional body cameras thanks to a $5,000 grant from a Delaware County-based pipeline company.
Leaders of the police department gathered Monday at the police station in Morgantown for the formal check presentation from Energy Transfer representatives. The grant allowed for the purchase of two body-worn cameras and warranties.
This award follows a separate grant from Energy Transfer in 2021, which provided $9,955 for the department to buy a halfdozen body cams.
“With a rising population in Caernarvon Township and new officers added to our force, these additional cameras will go a long way in our response efforts,” Detective Sgt. Chad Eberly said. “We’re grateful to Energy Transfer for its continued support of our department and dedication to protecting our community.”
Energy Transfer of Newtown Square is one of the largest energy logistics companies in the country, with approximately 3,000 miles of pipeline infrastructure and gathering systems located in Pennsylvania.
“First responders in Caernarvon Township work hard every day to protect the community and keep residents safe, and it’s an honor to be able to support them in their efforts,” said Josh Snyder, public affairs lead specialist with Energy Transfer. “We view our relationship with the first responders as a twoway partnership, and we look forward to more collaboration in years to come.”
The Energy Transfer First Responder Fund provides grants to help further the primary mission of first responder organizations such as fire departments, emergency medical services, county emergency management agencies and local police departments.
The cost of body cameras has risen significantly since the first round of camera purchases, Police Chief Paul R. Stolz Jr. said.
There were six cameras shared by the 11 officers, all of whom are not working the same shift. However, there are times that more than six officers are on a particular shift.
Stolz said body cameras are essential for police work nowadays, helping to increase accountability, build trust and reduce paperwork.
If someone makes an accusation that an officer’s actions were inappropriate, the camera footage enables the officer’s supervisors to judge for themselves.
“My officers are all in favor of body cameras,“Stolz said, “because they realize in today’s society, with the way people act toward officers, they need that protection against accusations.”
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