City of Midwest City

The City of Midwest City has announced they are the recipient of a $261,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security through the Oklahoma City based Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) for the purpose of purchasing critical infrastructure security equipment, which includes security cameras and card control access systems at various city facilities.

According to Emergency Management Director Mike Bower, Midwest City has had a long and productive association with UASI. During the past seven years, UASI has received funds from the Department of Homeland Security that are made available to qualifying communities for security equipment and training. “In the past, Midwest City has been granted several pieces of equipment for our Fire and Police Departments through this process. For example, we have received a new bomb unit truck, hazmat equipment, communication systems, plus a lot of training for our public safety departments,” Bower said. “This equipment and training has helped make our public safety effort one of the best equipped in the state.”

Applying for the latest grant was approximately a two year process. Stringent requirements were required that included about 120 hours of classroom work regarding Homeland Security and an additional 200 hours to complete the application. Only those who completed the classroom work were allowed to make application.

Captain Kenneth Sloan, Midwest City Police Department, headed-up the grant application process. “This was a very intense, yet educational process to apply and ultimately receive the grant,” Sloan said. In addition to the required classroom work, the city had to undergo a threat and risk assessment by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “We are always looking at ways where we can increase security within our city and this grant will allow us to take another step in that process,” Sloan said.

Officials said the implementation of the new security equipment will take place over the next few months.