LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – The Lima Police Department has received state-of-the-art equipment thanks to grant dollars from a national pipeline company.
Energy Transfer, an energy logistics company, presented the department with a check for nearly $15,000 through its First Responder Grant Program. The funding allowed the department to purchase 17 tactical headsets and radios to be used in critical response situations.
“We received communication headsets that go for our SWAT team. On our helmets, they connect,” said Lt. Ben Thompson of the Lima Police Department. “They have noise-canceling technology to cancel out noise from the outside so we can talk to each other, speak clearly, plan effectively during our raids and our responses for critical incidents.”
Chris Koop, manager of public affairs for Energy Transfer, said the company is committed to supporting the communities where it operates.
“This is a critical community for us. Our pipeline infrastructure is taking the products that are produced here all over the state, all over the region, and in some places all over the country,” Koop said. “And so when we think about the Lima community and the services that our assets, supporting first responder communities, provide the community, it's a really good opportunity to invest in the communities where we operate.”
Energy Transfer has donated more than $2 million nationwide through its First Responder Fund.
August 13, 2025, Press Release from the City of Lima:
LIMA, Ohio - The Lima Police Department today accepted a grant in the amount of $14,623.26 from Energy Transfer’s First Responder Fund, which aided in the purchase of new communications equipment for the department’s SWAT team. Lieutenant Ben Thompson formally accepted the grant during Mayor Sharetta Smith’s weekly media briefing.
Energy Transfer is one of the largest and most diversified energy logistics companies in the country, with more than 2,300 miles of pipeline infrastructure located in Ohio alone and approximately 140,000 miles of pipe across the United States.
“The Lima Police Department’s SWAT team is tasked with handling the most high-risk incidents, including armed barricades, hostage rescues, natural disaster rescue, hazardous materials accident rescue, and active shooter situations – and effective communication is a critical component of mission success and officer safety,” said Lima Police Lieutenant Ben Thompson. “This grant from Energy Transfer will directly enhance our ability to coordinate in real time with other agencies and affected businesses. SWAT operations require precise, real-time coordination, and the headsets we were able to purchase will help us tremendously.”
The grant enabled the purchase of 17 tactical headsets and radios, replacing outdated, ineffective radios.
“It is an honor to play a role in enhancing communications and safety for the members of Lima P.D.’s SWAT team, and ultimately for the entire Lima community,” said Chris Koop, Manager, Public Affairs for Energy Transfer. “We’re very aware of the increasing costs of emergency response equipment – and of the need to keep up with rapidly changing technology. Fortunately, our First Responder Fund exists to support these exact needs.”
The Energy Transfer First Responder Fund provides grants to help further the primary mission of first responder organizations, including local fire departments; emergency medical services; county emergency management agencies; county, regional and local police departments; and other eligible agencies. Grants are determined based on a competitive application and review process, and written applications are accepted on a rolling basis for the following cycle.
