Amo Secures Nearly $1 Million to Support Bristol Police Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary and Longest Running Fourth of July Parade

BRISTOL, RI - TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) celebrated the $966,000 in federal Community Project Funding he fought to bring home for the Bristol Police Department. This money will fund upgrades to communication systems and help the Police Department better manage large community events, including the nation's longest continuously running Fourth of July celebration.

"Bristol is home to our nation's longest continuously running Fourth of July celebration, and the Bristol Police Department is essential to ensuring that this event goes off without a hitch," said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). "And this year, as our nation celebrates our semiquincentennial, they need the right tools to keep the public safe during this massive celebration and every day. That's why I'm proud to bring home $966,000 in federal funding to help the department upgrade its communications equipment to better be able to handle everything from routine police calls to once-in-a-lifetime commemorations."

"Bristol is proudly home to the world's oldest Fourth of July celebration, and each year it attracts tourists and locals alike to celebrate our nation's independence. And the Bristol Police Department is vital to ensuring that the event is a good, safe experience for all," said Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente. "This funding will help our police department and community better prepare for this year's America 250 celebration, and I thank Congressman Amo for working to secure it."

"From routine police calls to the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the nation, our department is there," said Bristol Police Department Chief Kevin Lynch."Thank you to Congressman Amo for his work to secure this funding which will help our men and women do their jobs and keep our community safe."

"Bristol is proud to be home to the nation's longest continuously running Fourth of July celebration," said General Chairman Bristol Fourth of July Committee Ana Barboza-Motta. "It's a moment where our community comes together to honor Rhode Island's history and celebrate our freedoms and independence. This funding will help ensure our partners at the police department have the equipment they need to help make this event safe and fun for all."

Background

This fiscal year, Congressman Amohas secured over $11 millionin Community Project Funding for Rhode Island's First Congressional District.

Bristol, Rhode Island, is home to America's oldest continuous Fourth of July Celebration, established in 1785 by Rev. Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church and a Veteran of the Revolutionary War. The "Military, Civic, and Firemen's Parade" draws over 200,000 spectators from Rhode Island and around the world.

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