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ETCOG Adds Cherokee County to 911 Addressing Program

East Texas Council of Governments • January 3, 2024

The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is now assigning and maintaining addresses within Cherokee County, which will enhance emergency response capabilities for the region.


This expansion improves address location accuracy using advanced technologies and geospatial data. Assigning accurate 911 addresses ensures quicker and more precise emergency responses. ETCOG's commitment to public safety is evident, with the successful track record of the program in other Piney Woods counties.


Emergency responders in Cherokee County will now benefit from standardizing a more dependable system for identifying locations, particularly crucial in rural and wooded areas. This strategic move aligns with ETCOG's mission to elevate overall emergency preparedness and response capabilities.


Residents and authorities can utilize the upgraded 9-1-1 addressing system for a more efficient emergency response network. The expansion reflects ETCOG's proactive approach, employing technology to enhance public safety services and contribute to the well-being of Cherokee County residents.


As ETCOG adapts to regional needs, extending the 9-1-1 addressing program exemplifies a forward-thinking strategy, making strides towards safer communities and a more resilient emergency response infrastructure.


How to Request or Verify a 911 Address:


A police officer is holding a microphone in his pocket.

Homeland Security, Criminal Justice Grant Funding Available for East Texas Public Safety Projects

By East Texas Council of Governments • December 19, 2024
State agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, universities or colleges, and federally recognized Native American tribes can soon apply for FY 2026 grant funds from the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office , State Homeland Security Grant Program and Criminal Justice division. New and continuing applicants in ETCOG’s fourteen (14) county region are invited to attend FREE grant application workshops hosted by the ETCOG Public Safety division . Workshops for each grant category to be held virtually from December 18, 2024, through February 13, 2025. Grant funding will be available for the following programs: Homeland Security State Homeland Security Program – Regular Projects (SHSP-R) Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA) Criminal Justice General Victim Assistance Direct Services Program (VOCA) Violence Against Women Justice and Training Program (VAWA) Juvenile Justice & Truancy Prevention Grant Program (SF-JJTP) Criminal Justice Program (DJ-JAG) “The goal is to improve public safety, support victims of crime, and assist jurisdictions by filling gaps in the region via funding that promotes innovative solutions to regional problems,” said ETCOG’s Public Safety Director, Stephanie Heffner. “We help applicants understand what needs to go into their grant applications and what they have to track once they receive funding from the state so we can successfully bring public safety projects to East Texas.” Workshops for Homeland Security will be held on the following dates: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 8, 2025 - 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 22, 2025 - 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - 10:00 AM Workshops for Criminal Justice will be held on the following dates: Monday, January 7, 2025 - 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - 10:00 AM Thursday, January 23, 2025 - 2:30 PM Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - 2:00 PM Workshops are mandatory if you plan to apply for funding. To participate in a virtual workshop for Homeland Security, visit www.pineywoods911.com/homeland-security . To participate in a virtual workshop for Criminal Justice, visit www.pineywoods911.com/criminal-justice .
A woman in a police uniform is standing in a park.

$3.4M in Public Safety Grants Approved for East Texas Region

By ETCOG Public Safety • December 17, 2024
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) announces $3.4 million in grants from the Governor's Public Safety Office awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits.
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