Schuylkill County has received a $189,441 grant to fight gun crime.

The Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution Grant Program, through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, helps law enforcement curb gun crimes.

“This will allow the District Attorney’s Office to aggressively investigate and prosecute crimes involving guns, including drug dealers who routinely possess guns to protect their product, as well as individuals that possess firearms even though they are precluded from doing so because of a prior criminal conviction,” said District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake.

“This grant will also allow us to partner with local police departments to train, educate and help prosecute crimes involving guns,” he said.

“I would like to thank PCCD for recognizing the need for funding to fight crimes involving guns and the award to the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office. This is just another tool we can use to keep the citizens of Schuylkill County safe,” O’Pake said.

The two-year grant will pay for a detective dedicated to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving firearms, First Assistant Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael J. Stine said previously.

O’Pake said he’s conducted interviews with two people for the detective position, but neither person has accepted the job.

“We’re still looking for someone to fill that position as quickly as possible,” he said.

Some of the grant money would also buy protective gear, such as bullet proof vests, side arms and rifles, and an SUV.

Stine on Oct. 13, 2022 applied for grant, which is a portion of $50 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds set aside to be divvied up among qualified counties.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency set aside $5 million - 10 percent of the $50 million - for rural areas like Schuylkill County. The rest will go to areas with high gun crime rates, like Philadelphia.

And when the grant money runs out?

“We’re absolutely hoping to extend that,” O’Pake said.

“No promise, but if you produce and you get good results, more likely than not you’ll get it extended,” he said. “With good results come good rewards, so that’s what were hoping.”