The Waycross Police Department has been awarded a $354,658 subgrant through the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP).
The award was announced last week on the city’s Facebook page. The grant is administered by the State of Georgia on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and awarded on behalf of Brian Kemp.
It is designed to support efforts to enhance the city’s preparedness response capabilities, and overall resilience in the areas of homeland security and emergency management. The grant will allow WPD to invest in critical equipment, technology, training, and planning initiatives designed to strengthen public safety operations and improve coordination during emergency situations.
“This grant is a major step forward for our department and the community we serve,” said Police Chief Tommy Cox. “It strengthens our ability to respond to critical incidents, enhances officer safety, and ensures we’re prepared to meet evolving public safety challenges head-on.”
Added City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford: “We’re grateful to the State of Georgia and our federal partners for this investment in the safety of our community. This funding will help ensure our first responders are equipped, trained, and prepared to respond effectively to a wide range of public safety challenges.”
The grant is funded by the federal Fiscal Year 2025 State Homeland Security Program and is subject to a formal Recipient-Subrecipient Agreement between the city and state. Project implementation will begin upon finalization of that agreement, in accordance with all applicable state and federal guidelines.
“Public safety remains a top priority for the City of Waycross,” Mayor Michael-Angelo James said. “This investment strengthens not only our police department, but the overall safety and resilience of our entire community.”
