From improving deputies’ communication in the field to educating young drivers, grant support is expanding public- safety efforts through the Ray County Sheriff’s Office.

Lieutenant Colonel Tom Noon recently joined Hero Fund USA CEO Darrell Smith and Coalition for Roadway Safety Coordinator Deb Huwar before commissioners to highlight funding for a new mobile incar radio and Alive at 25 instructor training.

The sheriff’s office had previously received grant funding for the radio but later learned the award required a 50% match that had not been included in the department’s budget.

Noon explained Huwar helped connect the department with additional resources to move the purchase forward, with Hero Fund USA contributing $1,459.65 toward the new radio.

“We’ve been very blessed to have these two organizations help provide money for us and get some training done and get a radio in our car,” said Noon.

Huwar added the department had been using cellphones in place of the needed radio in some situati…