Talladega Police Department receives funding for AEDs
March 2, 2025
(Talladega, AL) The Talladega Police Department was recently awarded a $14,969 Norfolk Southern Corporation Safety First Grant, which was used to purchase seven automated external defibrillators (AEDs) from GoRescue. AEDs save lives by decreasing response time for cardiac treatment and preventing fatigue during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). One AED will be installed in the police department and six will be placed in patrol cars.
"I commend the Talladega Police Department for taking the initiative to secure a grant that will help advance the quality of care in our community," said City Manager Derrick Swanson. "AEDs will enhance our officers' ability to provide life-saving assistance during critical situations."
“Police officers are often the first to arrive on the scene during emergency situations,” said Interim Police Chief Ron McElrath. “I wanted our officers to have automated external defibrillators that match our fire department's AEDs, but they are quite expensive.”
“We are thankful to Norfolk Southern Corporation for providing much-needed funds for this important purchase,” McElrath added. “We are also very appreciative of TPD employee Anna Eliuk, who applied for the grant.”
The grant is part of two community programs launched by Norfolk Southern in 2023: the Safety First Grant Program, which seeks to advance safety organizations and initiatives, and the Thriving Communities Grant Program, which aims to promote economic opportunity, support vibrant community life, and provide equal access to basic necessities. Award recipients are selected annually from across the railroad’s 22-state network.
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.
PHOTO: Pictured left to right: Sgt. Glen Nabors, Officer Mohamed Sow, Captain Bob Curtis, Interim Chief Ron McElrath, TPD administrative assistant Anna Eliuk, City Manager Derrick Swanson, Go Rescue representative Carol Pinkerton, Officer Gabriel Bridges, Lt. Darrell Garrett, Officer Andre Goldson and Acting Captain Dennis McDaniel