Gary Police Department receiving $3 million donation from Hard Rock Northern Indiana
Gary, Indiana, Receives $3 Million Donation for Police Fleet Upgrade
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana has made a significant donation to the city of Gary, Indiana, with the aim of improving public safety. The $3 million donation is part of a multi-year partnership between the casino and the city.
The funding will be used to purchase and upgrade 83 police cars over the next five years. This upgrade is intended to provide modern resources to the Gary Police Department, improving response times and connectivity in the field.
In the first year (2025), Hard Rock will donate $1 million, with the City of Gary matching $500,000, totaling $1.5 million for the purchase of 23 new police vehicles. For each of the following four years (2026-2029), Hard Rock will contribute $500,000 annually, matched by an equal amount from the city, resulting in an annual investment of $1 million to purchase 15 vehicles each year.
Mayor Eddie Melton reiterated that public safety is the top priority for the city, and the city aims to ensure its officers have the necessary tools for professional service. The upgrade of the Gary Police Department's fleet is a joint initiative between the city and Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.
The donation was announced by Mayor Eddie Melton and Hard Rock Casino President Matt Schuffert, with Schuffert stating, "We are proud to support the Gary Police Department and the residents of Gary. Our hope is that this partnership will help improve public safety and make the city a safer place for everyone."
This partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing the Gary Police Department's fleet and serving the city's residents with care.
[1] City of Gary Press Release [2] Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana Press Release [3] Interview with Mayor Eddie Melton [4] Interview with Matt Schuffert, Hard Rock Casino President [5] City of Gary Budget Document 2025-2029
The partnership between Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana and the City of Gary extends beyond public safety, as Hard Rock Casino President Matt Schuffert has also expressed interest in sports-betting opportunities in Gary, aiming to generate additional revenue for the city.
In light of the city's upgraded police fleet, Mayor Eddie Melton envisions sports facilities as another means to improve community engagement and potentially introduce a new sports-betting arena in Gary, further solidifying the multi-year partnership between the casino and the city.
