Check presented to Chandler Police

In less than two months, the community of Chandler was able to fulfill a need with a hefty price tag.

Tuesday, July 28, Ministerial Alliance President John Casey and Treasurer Kirk Holloway presented a check for $18,500 to the Chandler Police Chief Matt Matteyer for the purchase of body cameras.

During the Open Forum on Race Relations and Tensions on June 4, Matteyer shared that the police officers don’t wear body cameras because of the high price and they were currently paying for a new radio system.

Casey and Holloway began talking during the meeting about how they could help provide the needed equipment.

“I just thought ‘Let’s do this,’” Holloway said.

Holloway began researching body cameras and how much they would cost.

The goal was to save $12,000 to purchase 13 body cams for all the officers on the force.

“People just started handing us money,” Holloway said.

In a week and two days, over $15,300 was raised.

Matteyer said the citizens of Chandler have always been good and helpful to the police force.

Holloway said businesses, banks and alumni got involved with the initiative to help.