ORLANDO, FL – Orange County Sheriff Demings received an $875,000 federal grant backed byCongressman Alan Grayson (D-FL09), which will put seven more deputies on the street to bolster community policing efforts.
“I’m proud to support federal funding that results in safer streets, and strong community-based policing in Central Florida. This $875,000 grant will put seven new officers on the Orange County beat, and it ensures the Sheriff is better equipped to build strong ties to the communities he serves,” Grayson said. “This has long been a top priority of Sheriff Jerry Demings, and I’m proud to help him in that vital mission.”
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced more than $107 million in grants for the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS Hiring Program. COPS provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire career law enforcement officers to bolster community policing and crime prevention efforts.
Orange County’s $875,000 grant was third largest award handed out in Florida. Sheriff Demings was pleased to see the federal teamwork pay off locally.
“I’ve been a champion of community-based policing long before I was elected to office. And this COPS grant will allow me to continue employing this vital tool, one that not only keeps our community safe, but let’s us connect more closely with those we serve every day,” Sheriff Jerry Demings said. “I’d like to thank all our federal lawmaker partners who helped make this happen in Washington, including Congressman Alan Grayson.”
Congressman Alan Grayson represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District, which includes Osceola County, as well as parts of Orange and Polk counties.
