KING CITY — City of King has received a $1.25 million grant from the state of California for the purchase of a new fire engine as well as to expand its citywide security camera system.
Sen. Anna Caballero, who helped to secure the funding in this year’s state budget, presented the ceremonial check to city officials last Friday, Oct. 28, at the King City Fire Department.
“Budgets are a statement of values, and California’s budget reflects our desire to invest in our working families,” said Caballero, who represents the Salinas Valley in the 12th Senate District. “… There will be substantial support for our communities to upgrade our libraries, public safety and fire services to support the creation of good paying jobs in the Central Valley. With a responsible budget for today and long-term planning for our future, California is well positioned to continue to be an economic powerhouse and a place where all can thrive.”
The funding secured is critical for the City of King to address multiple public safety, housing, economic and quality-of-life goals, in addition to being part of the city’s Comprehensive Plan to End Youth Violence.
“The City of King is extremely appreciative for this funding, which will have a tremendous positive impact on public safety and quality of life for our residents,” Mayor Mike LeBarre said. “This targeted state investment for our rural community will enhance our efforts to eliminate youth violence, increase the capabilities of the King City Fire Department to protect life and property and will enable the City to allow three- and four-story buildings to help address serious housing and economic development needs in the city.”
Of the total $1.25 million grant, $1 million will be used to purchase a new Quint aerial apparatus, which will replace a 34-year-old fire engine that is reaching the end of its useful life. The new apparatus will serve the purpose of the existing engine and provide the King City Fire Department with a new aerial capability, as well.
“King City Fire Department would like to thank Sen. Caballero, and all the people who worked on this grant process, to enable our city to receive the equipment that will help ensure the safety of our community for years to come,” said King City Fire Chief Russ Nichols.
The remaining $250,000 will be used to further expand King City Police Department’s citywide security camera system. Additional cameras are being added to better monitor schools, parks and identified problem areas.
“I want to thank Sen. Caballero for her ongoing commitment toward public safety in King City,” said King City Police Chief Keith Boyd. “We have had considerable success utilizing our citywide security system to impact crime, and this funding allocation will advance our system in King City sooner than expected, targeting areas of need in the community while at the same time ensuring the long-term viability of the system.”
