BILLERICA — Chief Roy Frost is pleased to share that the Billerica Police Department received $39,906 in grant funds through the Edward J. Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.

The grant funding, allocated by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research (OGR), was awarded to law enforcement agencies statewide to address public safety priorities.

The Billerica Police Department will use the funding to purchase helmets, license plate readers, and to hold active shooter training.

“This is important grant funding that will help us buy new equipment and to pursue additional training opportunities,” said Chief Frost. “We are grateful to the state for these funds and we will be putting them to good use.”

Nearly $5 million in funds was awarded to 130 police departments across the state to address specific priority areas such as unlawful drug use, domestic violence, gun violence, missing person cases, and hate crimes. The grant also funded projects related to technology upgrades, investigative tools and protective gear, school safety and security, and efforts to advance racial equity and support underserved communities.

“This program invests federal funds to make Massachusetts communities safer and stronger,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “This program allows towns and cities to identify their most pressing needs and direct funding to address those challenges. The ability of local public safety leaders to guide funds toward priority safety initiatives encourages a holistic approach to improving safety in communities with diverse needs.”