Region communities receive federal funding to expand public safety efforts

Four Region communities were awarded federal funding through the Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, office. 

According to a news release from U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan's office, the Porter County Sheriff's Office, the city of Hobart, Lake Station Community Schools and Valparaiso Community Schools all received funding. 

Mrvan congratulated the awardees for "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," Mrvan stated in the news release. 

The Porter County Sheriff's Office will receive $125,000 through the COPS Hiring Program to hire an additional officer for the Patrol Division. Hobart will receive $500,000, the Lake Station school district will receive $375,000 and Valparaiso schools will receive $390,000 through the COPS School Violence Prevention Program. Funding awarded through the School Violence Prevention Program goes towards improving on campus security through new technology and school safety programs.

More information on the COPS grant program is available at cops.usdoj.gov/svpp. 

"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," Porter County Sheriff Jeff Balon stated in the news release. " 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."