Kean Delivers $835,000 to Bernards Township for Police Communications Upgrades

(August 6, 2026) BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, NJ – On Tuesday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) presented $835,000 to Bernards Township for upgrades to their police department’scommunications equipment.

This federal funding, secured by Congressman Kean through the Community Project Funding process, will upgrade the Bernards Township Police Department’s current radios, which can only operate on one frequency, and be used to purchase 89 tri-band radios that cover multiple frequencies. This will streamline coordination and strengthen emergency response. 

“The $835,000 that I secured for Bernards Township will enable first responders to have the modern tools they need to effectively protect and serve the community,” said Congressman Kean. “These communications upgrades, made possible by this federal funding, will provide direct radio contact and allow police to communicate more effectively and facilitate deployment, keeping our communities safer.”

“Public Safety is among our priorities. We are very grateful to Congressman Tom Kean Jr. for advocating federal funding on our behalf to secure 89 tri-band radios for our officers and front-line police vehicles,” said Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy. “We are very grateful for the funding that enables the Township to provide critical resources for our Police Department without placing the full burden on local property taxpayers.”

“We are sincerely grateful to Congressman Tom Kean for his leadership and steadfast support in securing this critical funding for our police radio upgrade,” said Police Chief Timothy King. “Reliable radio communications are essential to officer safety and effective emergency response, and this investment will provide our officers with the technology they need to better serve and protect our community. We truly appreciate the Congressman’s commitment to public safety and to the residents of Bernards Township.”

“Congressman Kean's office introduced us to this funding program in January 2024. Without their guidance, we never would have applied for our first Federal grant,” said Committeewoman Jennifer Asay. “He has always been a strong supporter of first responders, and this $835,000 will upgrade our police department's communications while freeing up local budget for other township needs, without raising taxes on residents.”

​​“Bernards Township is exceptionally grateful for the federal support that Congressman Kean has delivered and continues to deliver for our community,” said Committeeman Andrew McNally. “The funding he recently secured for critical police radio upgrades will ensure our first responders have the reliable communication tools they need to effectively serve and protect our community.”

Since taking office, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. has secured nearly $22 million for law enforcement across New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District through the Community Project Funding process, demonstrating a consistent, tangible commitment to backing the blue with real resources. Kean remains steadfast in ensuring local law enforcement officers receive the support and equipment necessary to keep our communities safe.

All 15 projects that Congressman Kean was allotted for the FY2026 Community Project Funding process have now passed the U.S. House of Representatives. View the full list of projects HERE.

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