PALM HARBOR, Fla. (8 Jan.) -- Supporting volunteerism and local efforts to make Florida’s 9th District safer and more secure, U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.) on Monday joined Clearwater City officials and the CEO of the Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism, in a grant award presentation and swearing-in ceremony for the Clearwater Police Department’s AmeriCorps program.

"AmeriCorps Clearwater is one of our standout programs, and has been singled out as an innovative program among all AmeriCorps programs nationwide," said Governor's Commission CEO Wendy Spencer. "I am thrilled Congressman Bilirakis can join us to present this check to AmeriCorps Clearwater and to recognize our AmeriCorps members' service."

“The men and women who serve AmeriCorps Clearwater play an important role in the lives of others,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “It is their dedication to volunteerism and civic engagement that reinforces American values and strengthens our community.”

AmeriCorps Clearwater works with local police officers to provide assistance with crime prevention, school patrols, disaster relief and preparedness, as well as a wide range of other support services. Its members also serve as "Downtown Ambassadors" in the heart of Clearwater to promote a safer and friendlier city.

Awarded a $361,000 grant from the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism for a three-year program devoted to public safety and homeland security, AmeriCorps Clearwater is funded through the Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS) and Volunteer Florida. Last year Congress appropriated more than $851 million to the CNCS, which granted approximately $9.7 million to the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism for AmeriCorps programs and funds for college scholarships. Of that funding, AmeriCorps received $598,957.