Indiana U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan has announced federal grant awards in Northwest Indiana, including for the City of La Porte and River Forest Community School Corporation, under the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. According to the Department of Justice, the City of La Porte will receive $500,000 from the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) to hire four additional law enforcement officers in an effort to increase community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Additionally, River Forest Community School Corporation in New Chicago will receive $343,068 under the COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) to improve security at schools and on school grounds through evidence-based school safety programs and technology.
Congressman Mrvan stated, “Congratulations to all of the leaders with the City of La Porte and River Forest Community School Corporation on securing these vital federal funds. As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for the value of these programs to ensure that law enforcement agencies and schools throughout Northwest Indiana have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.”
City of La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody stated, “The City of La Porte is pleased to receive this COPS Grant Award. Public Safety is our number one obligation to our citizens. I want to express my appreciation for our Police Chief Matt Drangmeister for his leadership on this, thinking outside the box to meet the needs of the Department. In addition, I want to thank Congressman Mrvan for his continued support of our community.”
Kevin Trezak, Superintendent of River Forest Community School Corporation, stated, “I am so proud of my teammates for the incredible, time-consuming efforts made towards receiving this grant. At the top of this list is Director of Technology Michelle Wories, and Chief Financial Officer Samantha Berrier for efforts not only in helping to secure an award from this round of grants, but for the hours of work put in towards our competitive but unsuccessful effort in 2024. Ultimately, the winners are our students, staff, and community. The $343,068 award is life-changing for a small school corporation.”
