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Alton, Belleville and Edwardsville each will receive money from the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, announced last week.

First responders “put their lives on the line� daily, Budzinski said. “It’s critical that we make sure they have the equipment, training and technology needed to stay safe on the job.�

Belleville police will get about $58,000 to upgrade outdated technology and equipment; the Alton department is in line for about $18,500 to buy safety equipment for police vehicles; and Edwardsville's department stands to receive about $14,500 to buy new radar units.

In all, Budzinski brought home more than $322,000 in DOJ money, which also included allotments to Springfield, Champaign and Decatur.