EPD Gets a High-Tech Helping Hand: A $31,407 grant brings a new digital fingerprint scanner to Ellsworth Police
A great idea, a successful grant application and a little persistence have brought some impressive new technology to the Ellsworth Police Department!
The project began last summer when Detective Bagley shared information about a digital fingerprint scanner that could be used by EPD for a variety of fingerprinting needs. Sgt. Wilmot took it from there, researching the equipment and pulling together the information needed to pursue funding.
In August 2025, EPD applied to the Gary Sinise Foundation First Responder Grant Program, a nationwide grant opportunity that provides funding to first responders for equipment and training. The request totaled $31,407, covering the scanner, installation, training, and annual maintenance.
And in February, the good news arrived: EPD had been awarded the grant! The Gary Sinise Foundation funded the fingerprint scanner, with the City’s only cost being annual maintenance beginning in year three.
New technology + a great team! Members of the Ellsworth Police Department gather around EPD’s new digital fingerprint scanner, funded through a $31,407 Gary Sinise Foundation First Responder Grant.
The new scanner was installed on July 28, 2026, with representatives from Idemia and the State Bureau of Identification (SBI) making sure it was communicating properly with the State system. SBI specialists returned on August 5 to train approximately half of EPD’s staff on the new equipment.
A big Team Ellsworth shoutout to Detective Bagley, Sgt. Wilmot and everyone who helped move this project from an idea to reality.
And a huge thank you to the Gary Sinise Foundation for investing in our Police Department and the work they do for our community. This is a great example of what can happen when our staff see an opportunity, do the homework and go after it.
Well done, EPD!
