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

East Texas Council of Governments • November 27, 2023
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 2025 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.


There will be five workshops for each grant category to be held virtually from December 14, 2023, through January 29, 2024. 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)
  • Residential & Community-Based Services for Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE)


“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:

  • Thursday, 12/28/23 - 10:00 to 11:15 AM
  • Thursday, 01/04/24 - 10:00 to 11:15 AM
  • Thursday, 01/11/24 - 10:00 to 11:15 AM
  • Thursday, 01/18/24 - 10:00 to 11:15 AM
  • Thursday, 01/25/24 - 10:00 to 11:15 AM


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

  • Thursday, 12/14/23 – 2:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 12/19/22 – 10:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday, 01/10/24 – 10:00 a.m.
  • Tuesday, 01/16/24 – 2:00 p.m.
  • Monday 01/29/24 – 10:00 a.m.


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.

ETCOG to Host NIMs 300/400 Class Now Required Under HB 33

By ETCOG Public Safety • July 27, 2026
ETCOG is hosting NIMS ICS 300 and ICS 400 training in August at our Kilgore office. These courses are now required under Texas House Bill 33. Please register as soon as possible. The class must have at least 26 participants, or it may be canceled. Please also forward this opportunity to anyone who may need or be interested in attending. Training Details Course: MGT904 / ICS-300 Dates: August 24–26, 2026 Start Time: August 24 at 8:00 a.m. CST Location: ETCOG 3900 Stone Road Kilgore, Texas 75662 Registration Link: https://my.teex.org/TeexPortal/Default.aspx?MO=mCourseCatalog&D=FP&C=MGT904&S=941 Course: MGT905 / ICS-400 Dates: August 26–27, 2026 Start Time: August 26 at 1:00 p.m. CST Location: ETCOG 3900 Stone Road Kilgore, Texas 75662 Registration Link: https://my.teex.org/TeexPortal/Default.aspx?MO=mCourseCatalog&D=FP&C=MGT905&S=732 Cost All online classes, including the ICS 300/400 classes hosted at ETCOG, are free. Prerequisites Please read this section carefully before registering. The following four prerequisite courses are required: ICS 100 ICS 200 ICS 700 ICS 800 FEMA online training link for prerequisites: Emergency Management Institute - National Incident Management System (NIMS) https://training.fema.gov/nims/ Please bring copies of your prerequisite certificates with you to class, if possible. A screenshot of your certificates is also acceptable. What to Bring Please bring the following items to training: Copies or screenshots of your ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 700, and ICS 800 certificates A tablet or laptop The participant manual downloaded to your device The participant manual will be available after you complete registration. Registration Assistance If you have trouble registering, please send a screenshot of the issue so we can help troubleshoot. Thank you, and please register as soon as possible to help ensure the class meets the minimum attendance requirement.

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.
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