Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., Jackson Police Chief Rebecca Coleman and Jackson Police Foundation President Susan H. Lunardini were all smiles Wednesday, March 31, as Jackson Authencity presented them a $106,061.41 check for the Police Training Academy.
“This is a significant amount and it will go a long way in improving the training academy,” said Mayor Johnson. He also commended Chief Coleman and her staff for the quality of service they provide.
Chief Coleman told the media that the gift was “more than a generous contribution. I agree with the Mayor that when people give you contributions like this, it is a testament to the [quality] job that men and women of the Jackson Police Department are doing.”
The check is very much needed for the academy, expressed Lundardini, who was equally appreciative for the big boost. “The training academy is a wonderful building, but it can definitely use an update,” she said. Lundardini, like Johnson and Coleman, also expressed profound gratitude to benefactors for the significant assistance.
Johnson said two of the pressing needs that come to mind for him at the training academy is the repair of the gym floor which was damaged by leaks, and the need for upgraded training equipment. Johnson said he plans to secure federal dollars to repair the roof.
Jackson Authencity, which is an effort of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and chaired by Mende Malouf Alford, was a fundraising project held several months ago in tribute to longtime Jackson business developer Leland Speed. “These funds came from that event,” said Malouf Alford, who is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Board with responsibilities for aiding and improving public safety.
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