The Killeen Police Department has been awarded a $1.6 million federal grant by the Department of Justice, Congressman John Carter announced Tuesday.

Community Oriented Police Services (COP) grants are awarded to local law enforcement agencies for the hire of new officers and fund crime prevention efforts in communities.

“This COPS grant will fund 13 new police officers and allow Killeen Police Department to elevate its policing efforts and better align its resources to meet community needs and expectations,” said Police Chief Dennis Baldwin. “COPS grants have provided tremendous benefit to our department and community, and this allocation will further aid our public safety mission.”

In a statement issued Tuesday, Mayor Scott Cosper thanked Congressman Carter for his advocacy in Washington, which helped secure not only the COPS grant, but also a $4.4 million Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant from the Department of Homeland Security for the hiring of new firefighters and the maintenance of a new station that will service southwest Killeen and parts of Fort Hood.

“Congressman Carter’s leadership and advocacy in Washington have brought yet another federal grant to Killeen, and we are extremely grateful,” Mayor Cosper said. “Killeen residents deserve a safe community, and this funding will help us build upon our excellent police services and increase public safety.”

Killeen Police Department has received previous COPS grants of $1.8 million in 2010 for 10 officers and $1.5 million in 2014 for 13 officers.

More From KLTD-FM