Press release by office of U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan:
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced federal grant awards in Northwest Indiana, including for the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Hobart, Lake Station Community Schools, and Valparaiso Community Schools under the Department of Justice’s COPS Office.
According to the Department of Justice, the Porter County Sheriff’s Office will receive $125,000 from the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) to hire additional law enforcement officers in an effort to increase community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.
Additionally, the City of Hobart will receive $500,000, Lake Station Community Schools will receive $375,000, and Valparaiso Community Schools will receive $390,000 under the COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). The SVPP aims to improve security at schools and on school grounds through evidence-based school safety programs and technology.
Congressman Mrvan stated, “Congratulations to the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Hobart, Lake Station Community Schools, and Valparaiso Community Schools for successfully securing these vital federal funds that will help improve safety initiatives in our communities and schools. I will continue to do all I can to support funds that enhance the capabilities of all of our law enforcement and security personnel to keep our region safe.”
Porter County Sheriff Balon stated, “I would like to thank Congressman Frank Mrvan for his continued support of the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, and I am very pleased to learn of the COPS grant award. This grant money will be used to hire an additional Sheriff’s Officer for the Patrol Division. Keeping ample staffing to address the growth needs of the citizens of Porter County is extremely important and grant opportunities like this help offset the expenses needed to hire additional staff.”
For additional information on programs under the Department of Justice’s COPS Office, click here.