By Billy Davis

Batesville police used a $30,000 U.S. Homeland Security grant to purchase an SUV for the department’s K-9 unit.

The Batesville Police Department purchased the 2011 Tahoe without matching funds from the city, said Chief Tony Jones.

“That means we basically got a new vehicle for the department for free. It was a good deal,” Jones said.

The Tahoe was bought on a state contract for approximately $25,000.

The federal grant stipulated that the police department purchase a truck or SUV, and use the automobile for search and rescue operations.

Police canine Maik, handled by officer Michael Hardin, is trained for search and rescue, and for narcotics searches, said the police chief.

Jones credited BPD secretary Barbara Lambert for applying for the federal grant.

He also thanked Daniel Cole, Panola County EMA, for contacting the state Homeland Security office in Jackson.

The grant application took three years until Batesville’s award was announced, said Jones.