Northampton County

Collins to lead county public safety

Lamont McClure announced he will appoint Dave C. Collins Sr. to the position of Public Safety Administrator at the Northampton County Prison (NCP) following the retirement of Kenneth Kraft. Kraft, who has held the position since October 2018, will retire on Feb. 1.

Collins is a graduate of the Easton Area School District. He’s worked as a behavioral specialist for the Easton Area School District, as a supervisor at the Northampton County Juvenile Justice Center and has been employed at NCP as an administrator of security since 2009. Collins is also active in his community. He’s volunteered as a basketball coach and assistant program director at the Easton Area Community Center and is a co-founder of the Diplomats Cigar Club which distributes free meals, fresh goods and Christmas gifts to local organizations.

Bethlehem walk-in COVID testing site closes

The Northampton County DCED, Emergency Management Services and Lehigh Valley Hospital-Coordinated Health Allentown Hospital (LVH-CHA) announce that one of the walk-in COVID-19 testing site at 2300 Highland Avenue, Bethlehem, will close for testing Jan. 20. Walk-in COVID-19 tests for county residents and employees are still available at: Palmer Township Express Care, 3701 Corriere Road, Suite 14, Easton, Monday – Friday: 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday: 8 a.m.– 8 p.m.

Only residents of Northampton County will have the cost covered by the county if they do not have health coverage.

Grow NORCO Program grants awarded

The Department of Community and Economic Development announces that County Council approved $780,900 for 58 Grow NORCO grants at their Dec. 1 meeting. Grow NORCO Program grants are available to Northampton County nonprofit organizations and municipalities. Grants of up to $50,000 can be used for Capital Improvements, Façade Programs, Operations and Community Planning.

All projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

“The County of Northampton appreciates the hard work provided by our non-profit organizations and municipalities,” says County Executive Lamont McClure. “It’s important that the county continues to support their contributions, which improve public health and economic development.”

Contact Becky Bartlett at bbartlett@norcopa.gov for a list of recipients.

Public safety grants awarded

Lamont McClure and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) announce that County Council approved $600,000 in grants for 42 Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) departments at their meeting on Dec. 1.

“Our fire departments and EMS organizations are a critical resource in protecting the health and safety of our public,” says Lamont McClure. “These grants help equip our first responders with the tools they need to serve the people of Northampton County.”

Public Safety grants are available to Northampton County professional and volunteer police, fire and EMS organizations. The funding can be used for capital improvements, vehicle purchase, equipment purchase and training. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $20,000 per application or project. Grants are awarded via a competitive process through a committee consisting of DCED staff.

Contact Becky Bartlett at bbartlett@norcopa.gov for a list of recipients.