Congressman Kean Visits Springfield Police Department, Highlights $700K in Proposed Federal Funding

Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) visited the Springfield Police Department on Tuesday alongside Mayor Harris Laufer and Police Chief John Cook to discuss the department's need for facility upgrades and to highlight federal funding he has secured in a House appropriations bill.

Kean's office announced that $700,000 in Community Project Funding for the Springfield Police Department is included in one of the House's fiscal year appropriations measures. The funding, if approved by Congress, would support refurbishments to the police facility, which township officials say has required modernization for several years.

Kean stated: "Our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day deserve updated and efficient facilities so they can best serve our community. I am proud to fight to bring this critical federal funding back to New Jersey and am committed to ensuring that police departments like Springfield have the resources that they need to keep our families safe."

Mayor Laufer said the proposed funding would have a direct impact on both officers and residents: "Upgrades to the Springfield Police Department not only make the lives of our law-enforcement officers easier, but it makes our community safer. This money, if approved, will make Springfield a safer community, and we appreciate the Congressman's efforts."

Police Chief Cook said that improvements to the building have been needed for some time. "These funds, if approved, will enable the Township to improve not only the Police Department but also to make needed improvements for the building overall. This will enable us to work more efficiently and better serve the people of Springfield."

Cook credited Lt. Dan Zieser for preparing the department's grant application earlier this year.

Kean announced last month that 18 Community Project Funding requests totaling $17.7 million were included in House appropriations bills for the upcoming fiscal year.

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FAQ

Q: How much federal funding did Congressman Kean secure for Springfield Police?
A: $700,000 in Community Project Funding is included in a House fiscal year appropriations measure. The funding is pending Congressional approval.

Q: What is the funding intended for?
A: The funding would support refurbishments and modernization of the Springfield Police Department facility, which township officials say has required upgrades for several years.

Q: When did Congressman Kean visit Springfield?
A: Congressman Kean visited the Springfield Police Department on Tuesday, July 29, 2026.

Q: Who visited the police department with the congressman?
A: Mayor Harris Laufer and Police Chief John Cook accompanied Congressman Kean during the visit.

Q: Will the improvements help the police department?
A: Yes, according to Police Chief Cook, the funds would enable improvements not only to the Police Department but also to the building overall, allowing the department to work more efficiently and better serve Springfield residents.

Q: What did Mayor Laufer say about the funding?
A: Mayor Laufer stated that upgrades would benefit both officers and residents, making the community safer and improving the lives of law-enforcement officers.

Q: Who prepared the police department's grant application?
A: Lt. Dan Zieser prepared the department's grant application earlier in the year.

Q: How much total funding did Congressman Kean secure?
A: Congressman Kean announced 18 Community Project Funding requests totaling $17.7 million included in House appropriations bills for the upcoming fiscal year.

Q: When will the funding be available?
A: The funding is pending Congressional approval of the House appropriations bill.