Homeland Security, Criminal Justice Grant Funding Available for East Texas Public Safety Projects

East Texas Council of Governments • December 19, 2024
photo of police cadet graduation

State agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, universities or colleges, and federally recognized Native American tribes can soon apply for FY 2026 grant funds from the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office, State Homeland Security Grant Program and Criminal Justice division. New and continuing applicants in ETCOG’s fourteen (14) county region are invited to attend FREE grant application workshops hosted by the ETCOG Public Safety division.


Workshops for each grant category to be held virtually from December 18, 2024, through February 13, 2025. Grant funding will be available for the following programs:


Homeland Security

  • State Homeland Security Program – Regular Projects (SHSP-R)
  • Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA)


Criminal Justice

  • General Victim Assistance Direct Services Program (VOCA)
  • Violence Against Women Justice and Training Program (VAWA)
  • Juvenile Justice & Truancy Prevention Grant Program (SF-JJTP)
  • Criminal Justice Program (DJ-JAG)


“The goal is to improve public safety, support victims of crime, and assist jurisdictions by filling gaps in the region via funding that promotes innovative solutions to regional problems,” said ETCOG’s Public Safety Director, Stephanie Heffner. “We help applicants understand what needs to go into their grant applications and what they have to track once they receive funding from the state so we can successfully bring public safety projects to East Texas.”


Workshops for Homeland Security will be held on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 10:00 AM
  • Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - 10:00 AM
  • Wednesday, January 8, 2025 - 10:00 AM
  • Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - 10:00 AM
  • Wednesday, January 22, 2025 - 10:00 AM
  • Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - 10:00 AM
  • Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - 10:00 AM


Workshops for Criminal Justice will be held on the following dates:

  • Monday, January 7, 2025 - 2:00 PM
  • Wednesday,  January 15, 2025 - 10:00 AM
  • Thursday, January 23, 2025 - 2:30 PM
  • Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - 2:00 PM


Workshops are mandatory if you plan to apply for funding. To participate in a virtual workshop for Homeland Security, visit www.pineywoods911.com/homeland-security. To participate in a virtual workshop for Criminal Justice, visit www.pineywoods911.com/criminal-justice.

Recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12–18, 2026

By ETCOG Public Safety • April 1, 2026
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026 , honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the public safety telecommunicators who answer the call when emergencies happen. Held each year during the second week of April, the observance recognizes the professionals who serve as the critical first point of contact in emergency situations. At ETCOG, we are proud to recognize the telecommunicators who serve communities across our region. Their work requires professionalism, compassion, quick thinking, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. In moments of crisis, they provide calm, skilled support and help connect people to the emergency services they need. In 2025 , telecommunicators in ETCOG’s service area answered more than 174,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 20,000 9-1-1 texts . Behind each of those numbers is a person in need of help and a trained telecommunicator ready to respond. ETCOG supports the region’s dispatch offices through training, equipment upgrades, and management of the regional 9-1-1 system. These efforts help ensure telecommunicators have the tools, technology, and resources needed to serve the public effectively and efficiently. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we extend our sincere appreciation to the men and women who help keep our communities safe every day. Their work is essential, and their service makes a meaningful difference throughout East Texas.

Criminal Justice Grant Funding Available for East Texas Public Safety Projects

By East Texas Council of Governments • December 15, 2025
Mandatory Workshops Scheduled for Applicants
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