Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana donates $3M to upgrade Gary Police fleet

The city of Gary is upgrading its police fleet with a $3 million donation from Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

Mayor Eddie Melton and Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana President Matt Schuffert said the funding will support the purchase and upgrading of 83 police vehicles, WNDU reported.

The funding is part of a multi-year plan to upgrade the Gary Police Department fleet. In the first year (2025), Hard Rock will contribute $1 million, with the city matching $500,000, providing a total of $1.5 million to procure 23 new vehicles. 

“Keeping our community safe will always be our top priority,” said 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.”

From 2026 through 2029, Hard Rock will contribute $500,000 annually, matched by the city, creating a $1 million yearly investment to purchase 15 police vehicles each year.

“Hard Rock has always been committed to supporting the City of Gary and the surrounding communities,” said Schuffert. ”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.”

The new fleet will include a variety of makes and models, all equipped with department-specific technology designed to improve patrol efficiency and reduce response times.