Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has signed off on an assortment of grants aimed at upgrading equipment for six North Alabama law enforcement agencies, including the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

Totaling $144,000, the grants “will enable police and sheriff’s departments to purchase vehicles, communications equipment and other items needed by officers and deputies during their patrols,” the governor’s office said Thursday in a release.

The U.S. Department of Justice makes the federally appropriated funds available to the states. In Alabama, the funds are administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

In addition to DOJ law enforcement funds, ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation development.

CCSO will received the funds via the Cullman County Commission. The $24,000 grant will aid the sheriff’s office in purchasing a new K-9 unit, along with a patrol vehicle with kennel.

“The brave men and women of our law enforcement agencies put their lives on the line to serve and protect our communities every day, and they need and deserve the proper equipment to carry out their duties,” Ivey said in the release.

“I am pleased to help these agencies obtain the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively.”

Each of the following agencies was awarded a $24,000 grant:

Cullman County Commission — for the sheriff’s office to purchase a new K-9 unit and patrol vehicle with kennel.

Lauderdale County Commission  — for the sheriff’s department to upgrade radio communication equipment in patrol vehicles.

Lawrence County Commission — for the sheriff’s department to purchase Tasers, flashlights and police radios.

Winston County Commission — for the sheriff’s office to equip patrol cars with laptop computers, and purchase body cameras and winter wear for deputies.

City of Muscle Shoals — for the police department to purchase new laptop computers.

City of Tuscumbia — to purchase a patrol SUV for the police department.