(Washington, DC)  --  U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-Concord Township) today announced that the Eastlake Police Department will receive a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program.

 LaTourette said the GREAT program is used to train police officers in a school-based curriculum that focuses on the dangers of gangs and teaches anti-violence techniques.

 LaTourette said the Eastlake department will receive $40,076 in federal funds to continue a successful program for students attending middle school.  The department also was awarded more than $20,000 in federal funds for the GREAT program in 2004, he said.

 “I’m pleased that Eastlake will be able to continue this worthwhile program that can make a huge difference in the lives of kids,” LaTourette said.