Resolution proposes $63K in state funding for Wilmington Police projects

A resolution discussed at the May 12 Public Safety Committee meeting would allocate $63,000 in state grant funding to the Wilmington Police Department for a new rescue boat and a mobile outreach trailer. (Photo: rwcar4 Flickr)

WILMINGTON — The City Council is reviewing a resolution to accept a $63,000 grant from the State of Delaware’s SLEAF (Special Law Enforcement Assistance Fund) program to support new police equipment and community engagement efforts.

A resolution discussed at the May 12 Public Safety Committee meeting would allocate $63,000 in state grant funding to the Wilmington Police Department for a new rescue boat and a mobile outreach trailer, pending full council approval in June.

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Police Chief Wilfredo Campos explained the importance of replacing the department’s aging watercraft.

“We applied for the grant to fund two projects. $38,000 would allow for the purchase of a new Zodiac rescue boat. A Zodiac boat is basically a small vessel that can be easily transported and quickly deployed to water rescue or flooding incidents,” Campos said. “Our current boat that we have now, it’s about 25 years old and in need of replacement, and this would come in very handy, like the flood that we had a few years ago up on the northeast.”

The remaining $25,000 would be used to acquire a concession trailer and related accessories to improve the department’s presence at local events, including outreach walks, recruitment drives, and open houses. The trailer would support the Wilmington Police Department’s monthly Community Resource Fairs, held at locations throughout the city.

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“This can be used during our monthly community resource fairs, outreach walks, open houses, recruitment events, as well as other community outreach initiatives,” Campos said. “It will help us as we serve food and distribute information and materials to the public.”

These events foster positive engagement between officers and the public, alongside numerous partner organizations that serve Wilmington residents. The resolution does not require any matching funds from the city.

If approved, the equipment purchases are expected to enhance the department’s capacity to respond to emergencies and strengthen its outreach capabilities. 

Claudia Estrada

Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.