The purchase will supplement the City’s existing notification system and broaden its overall reach. More than just a siren, the system is capable of broadcasting instructions or vital information in both English and Spanish. The donation will entirely pay for one new site to be added to the notification system.

“Our commitment is to ensure the protection of life, liberty and property,” said Gary Smith, chief of police. “This is a wonderful gift that will benefit the residents of Emporia for many years to come and help the police department focus on its mission.”

“I’m pleased to present this money on behalf of Tyson Foods,” said Mike Fiehler, manager of the Emporia complex. “Our team members and their families live in this community; their safety is important to our company and to me personally. It’s important that our local law enforcement has the equipment it needs to be effective at their jobs.”

Tyson’s Emporia plant and supporting operations employs more than 900 team members and had a payroll of $32.9 million in 2010. The plant produces custom fresh meats such as steaks, corned beef and ground beef for retail and food service customers. In the past 4 years the plant has transitioned from a beef-only processing facility to a specialty meats provider which also processes pork and chicken to meet the value added needs of supermarkets and restaurants throughout the U.S.

Chief Smith said the notification system has been ordered and he estimates it will be installed by Christmas.