$10k grant will help buy police SUV

A $10,692 grant from the U.S. Justice Department will help Riverhead Town Police buy a brand new 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe for undercover and narcotics investigations, as well as town events, town officials announced Friday.

The truck, which will be outfitted for police work, will be used for joint investigations with the East End Drug Task Force and neighboring police departments, said Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller.

“The Town of Riverhead is extremely grateful for the financial assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice that will allow us to purchase a special services vehicle to better serve the residents of Riverhead,” Supervisor Sean Walter said in a statement.  “Without this funding this purchase could not have taken place at this time due to budgetary constraints.”

The grant was applied for by the town’s Community Development department in conjunction with the police department.

The four-door, four wheel drive SUV will be purchased through the New York State contract and will cost $25,680.70. The balance will be paid for with town funds., officials said

The vehicle, which retails for $37,980, should be on the road in several months.