The Coos County Sheriff’s Office will receive nearly $12,000 from the federal government to use in response to terrorist acts or catastrophic disasters.

Coos County and 21 other cities, counties and agencies in the state, will split about $350,000 from the Department of Homeland Security’s Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program. Dollar amounts range from $3,707 for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, to more than $32,000 for the Oregon Department of Justice, according to a press release. The Sheriff’s Office will receive $11,794.

Coos County Sheriff Andy Jackson said the money will go to buy a new thermal imager to aid in criminal investigations and search and rescue. And in light of recent county budget cuts, the money from Homeland Security helps the office purchase equipment it would probably never be able to afford, he added.

“We really don’t have the money to buy this kind of equipment,” Jackson said.

The funds are earmarked for providing specialized commercial equipment, related training in small jurisdictions and some metropolitan areas. Equipment that can be purchased includes chemical detection devices, thermal imaging equipment, communication equipment, personal protective equipment and rescue tools, the release said.

“Responding quickly and efficiently to emergencies requires the proper equipment,” said Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith in the release. “First responders need the best gear on the market when lives are at stake.”