La Cygne police, fire approve new equipment and expand training; tasers approved

Throughout 2013 La Cygne’s police and fire leadership asked the council to invest in equipment and training intended to reduce risk to officers and improve emergency response.

Police Chief Tate West and Lt./Officer Allen Huggins presented needs including replacement portable radios and vehicle repeaters, tasers for officers, and mobile/body camera options. The council approved installation of in‑car radio repeaters (budgeted up to $7,500) to improve radio coverage and later approved the purchase of tasers once departmental funds were verified. Camera purchases were discussed (Vu system) but deferred until budget validation in 2014. Chief West also brought multiple training requests; council approved officers’ attendance at school-violence awareness, KHP and other certification sessions.

Fire Department purchases included an SCBA containment box (approved using a $1,000 Enbridge grant plus city funds) and a thermal imaging camera purchased at a one-day bulk price to support search-and-rescue and fire‑ground safety. Fire Chief Dan Nasalroad said the camera accelerates victim search and reduces firefighter risk.

Why it matters: Council framed purchases as investments in officer and firefighter safety and operational effectiveness. Officials said upgraded radios and repeaters would improve communications during multi-agency responses and that tasers provide an additional less-lethal option.

Next steps: Police will integrate repeaters and conduct training; fire will finish thermal-camera installation and continue firefighter education. The department intends to revisit camera funding in the 2014 budget cycle.