In a ceremony held on the steps of City Hall on Friday, April 8, 2005, State Farm Insurance donated $5,000 to the Frederick Police Department. Attending were Ms. Jo Ahalt of State Farm Insurance, Frederick Mayor Jennifer Dougherty, Frederick Chief of Police Kim C. Dine, Lieutenant Shawn B. Martyak, and PAL Coordinator Michele Davis.

“We are grateful to State Farm for their generosity,” said Chief Dine. “This gift shows the unity of corporate and Department goals for the safety of the people of Frederick. State Farm’s gift exemplifies the strength in our philosophy of policing -- to bring businesses, neighborhoods, communities, and government together.”

State Farm’s donation will be used by the Frederick Police Department to purchase a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) unit which measures distance, speed rotation, and chemical composition. It will ultimately help enforcement of speeding in school zones and hard-to-enforce areas within Frederick City.

Also, a portion of the State Farm donation will be used by the FPD Community Services Division to help with the Whistle Defense Program. This voluntary community signal system will enable citizens to aid police in deterring and preventing crime in their neighborhoods. Whistles will be distributed at “Spring into Safety” events that are being planned at various locations throughout the city.

State Farm is the leading insurer of vehicles in America. State Farm’s mission is to help people manage the risks of every day life by supporting programs and activities aimed at preventing or reducing injury and loss.