The West Jackson Fire District and its elected officials recently announced the Deputy Lena Nicole Marshall Preparedness Grant.
The grant is a public safety protection grant created to celebrate the life and dedication of the late Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy Lena Nicole Marshall.
Deputy Marshall suffered multiple gunshot wounds while responding to a domestic disturbance call on Nov. 5, 2021, and passed away three days later.
She was 49 at the time of her death & was the first female officer to die in the line of duty in Jackson County.
“With the support of WJFD’s elected officials, we have been working on the idea of this grant with Deputy Marshall’s family for some time now,” said Chief Ben Stephens. “Her family has been very gracious and supportive throughout this process, and we are honored to be able to present Deputy Marshall’s grant for the protection of our community’s public safety personnel.”
The mission of “Lena’s Grant” will be need-based and eligible to all fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and emergency services within Jackson County.
Available grant funds may be utilized to help with the cost of tactical gear, apparel, equipment and training
The program will begin to accept applications in summer 2024, with the first award recipients announced November 2024.
The need for this funding was discovered during quarterly meetings of Jackson County agencies.
“Through these agency discussions, it was discovered that there was a real need for appropriate tactical training, equipment, and above all, communication,” Stephens said. “This county-wide camaraderie has evolved into partnerships and strengthened leadership, and eventually led us to the development of the Deputy Lena Nicole Marshall Public Safety Preparedness Grant.”
For more information about the grant, please contact Chief Stephens at [email protected].
