JOLIET – The Department of Justice awarded the City of Joliet nearly $60,000 today in an effort to control crime locally.
The money comes from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program and is designed to support law enforcement programs including law enforcement, crime prevention and education, technology improvement, mental health programs, and more.
Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced the grants Thursday. Joliet will receive $59,961 from the grant. Aurora will also receive $67,621 from the program.
“Our local governments understand the resources they need to prevent crime in our communities better than anyone,” said Foster. “Thanks to these grants, Aurora and Joliet can continue their work to fight crime by investing in the programs that need it most. I’ll continue working in Congress to ensure our local law enforcement has the support it needs to protect our communities.”
The Edward Byrne Memorial Grant Program was created by Byrne’s family nearly 20 years ago after New York City Officer Edward Byrne was assassinated by a drug gang as he sat in a marked police car, guarding the home of a witness. The program honors Byrne’s sacrifice and helps communities become safer places to life and work.