TEQUESTA, Fla. — With the latest mass shooting at a festival in California over the weekend still top of mind, more police departments want to ensure their officers have the right training and tools to protect their communities and themselves.
The Village of Tequesta Police Department is the latest department preparing for anything.
The kite shop sits on a busy stretch of U.S. 1.
"We kind of think we’re protected here, but we’re still attached to the main roads," said shop owner Jeremy Green.
That’s why Green is happy to hear that his police department is investing in safety.
"I think they’re doing a nice job here in Tequesta, keeping everything nice and safe," Green said. "I certainly feel safe in my neighborhood."
The village council recently gave the green light to set aside money for the police department to buy $52,000 worth of new equipment for their officers.
This comes on the heels of the latest mass shooting at a popular garlic festival in Northern California on Sunday, where three people were shot and killed. The gunman was quickly shot and killed by police before other victims were taken.
"You never know when it’s going to happen but you hope your officers are prepared," Green said. "The world has changed and its unfortunate the amount of fire power that’s out there. We just had the incident at the garlic festival in California, it’s one of those you never know when it’s going to happen, but you hope your officers are prepared and have the proper equipment to keep them safe and keep the community safe."
Closer to home, Tequesta police encountered a frightening incident of their own when a convicted felon barricaded himself in his home following a domestic disturbance call. The suspect was found to be in the possession of 13 handguns, grenades, and countless rounds ammunition.
"The one thing that drives me is when something tragic happens," said Police Chief Gus Medina. "You hear, I never thought it would happen here."
With the village’s blessing, Chief Medina has ordered ballistic armor for all 20 officers in case of an active shooter situation. They will have the new armor with them at all times.
"I bring that mindset that anything can happen anywhere, at anytime, so we must be prepared as officers and as a community to respond quickly and we react accordingly," said Chief Medina.
Chief Medina has been on the job for 16 months, a newcomer to Florida from the Newark, New Jersey police department.
"I come from a large department so I’m used to anything and everything that could happen does happen," Chief Medina said, who added his department is getting a new thermal imaging drone.
"If there’s a kid missing, or Alzheimer’s patient is out in an area we can’t get there by foot, we’ll be able to put the drone up," said Chief Medina.
He’s also ordering new CSI equipment like SmartWater CSI to help deter burglars. West Palm Beach PD purchased kits last fall.
“We have 100 kits we’re giving to people in the community. They’ll be able to code 60 to 80 items within their household,” explained Medina.
The technology is popular in the UK and has recently started emerging in the U.S. market, said Medina. Residents can mark important items with the special forensic fluid and if anything is stolen, burglars can be more easily tied back to a crime by scanning their hands for the fluid.
An order has also been placed for new taser equipment to replace their expired models.
About $30,000 is covered by the village’s general fund. Criminal seizure money will cover the rest.
“We have a great council,” said Chief Medina. “They’re completely supportive of the police department. But more importantly, about the needs of the residents. Safety is paramount. They’re always very supportive of any new technology or anything that will help enhance public safety….I’m grateful for that.”
The police chief expects to get their equipment in the mail box in the coming weeks, ready to be rolled out by the end of August.