T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Bridgeport police Lt. Darby Copeland uses one of the department's new cruiser computers. The police department recently was able to purchase four brand new computers, thanks to donations from the community.

BRIDGEPORT – The Bridgeport Police Department recently was able to purchase four new cruiser computers, thanks to donations from the community.

In July, the department requested the community’s support in helping officers raise $4,000 in order to purchase the computers for four of the department’s cruisers. Due to the village’s challenging financial status, village government was unable to aid in the purchase of the computers for the department.

Lt. Darby Copeland said the community responded and helped raise the necessary funds. The department was not only able to purchase computers for each of the village’s cruisers, but also Tasers for all full-time officers and a Stop Stick tire deflation device, he said. The department currently has five full-time officers.

“The computers also include the charging cradles, the mounts and everything else for them to be installed,” he said.

Copeland said the computers are an integral part of law enforcement’s job and allow officers to conduct their jobs more efficiently and safely.

“The computers allow officers to be on the road and not in the office for reporting purposes and also huge officer safety because they’re able to tell if a person has a warrant, they’re able to tell whatever the situation may be, they have it right there at their fingertips,” he said.

Copeland said the department received the new computers Thursday. The department’s former cruiser computers were around 10 years old and were not Windows 10 compatible, the new system that will soon be implemented.

Copeland said many local businesses and residents came together to support and donate to the cause, including members of Lansing Sportsman Club, Shaheen Law Group, Ohio Coatings, Wilson Furniture, ERB Electric, Bridgeport Equipment, Thin Blue Line FOPA Lodge 100, Bridgeport Methodist Church, Gateway Church, Belmont County Prosecutor Dan Fry and numerous residents. The department also wanted to thank residents who donated, including La Vaugh Remenar, Darlene Bennington, the Hames Brothers and Carlyn Tolonese.

Copeland said the village police department is fortunate to have such support from the community.

“At a time when law enforcement is under fire in America, it’s wonderful to work in a community that cares so much about the police. In other places people want to cease law and order, our community is supporting us significantly,” he said.