Hard Rock donated $3 million dollars to Gary Police Dpartment to upgrade police vehicles and squad car fleet. Mayor Eddie Melton and Matt Schuffert held a press conference on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025. This investment marks a major step toward strengthening public safety, and ensures officers are equipped with modern resources that will improve response times and help them stay connected in the field.
“Keeping our community safe will always be our top priority,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “By updating our patrol vehicles, we are making sure our officers have the tools to serve our residents with the professionalism and care they deserve.”
According to Matt Schuffert, President of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, “Hard Rock has always been committed to supporting the City of Gary and the surrounding communities. This major investment will ensure that the Gary Police Department has all the necessary resources to meet its needs as the city prepares to become the new home of the Lake County Convention Center.”
As part of the multi-year plan to upgrade the Gary Police Department’s fleet, the City of Gary and Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana have committed to an agreement that will span for over five years. In Year One (2025), Hard Rock will contribute $1 million, with the City providing a $500,000 match, totaling $1.5 million for the procurement of 23 new police vehicles. For the next 4 years (2026–2029), Hard Rock will commit $500,000 annually, with the city matching that amount each year. This $1 million annual investment will support the purchase of 15 police vehicles each year.
The purchase of these vehicles was made through the State of Indiana’s Qualified Purchasing Agreement, which allows city government agencies to buy vehicles at a predetermined negotiated price and ensures the efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
