
Congressman Henry Cuellar, Assistant City Manager Steve Landin, LPD Chief Miguel Rodriguez and Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino pose alongside law enforcement on Dec. 8, 2023 at the Laredo Police Department.
LMTonline
David Gomez Jr.
Federal funds totaling $1,875,000 from a DOJ program are being awarded to the Laredo Police Department for hiring purposes according to an announcement Friday, Dec. 8 by Rep. Henry Cuellar.
Funds for the hiring of 15 police officers for Laredo come from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS) Hiring Program. The congressman was present during Friday morning’s announcement alongside Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino and LPD Chief Miguel Rodriguez.
The nearly $1.9 million in federal funds is to serve the local police department and expand its presence in the community. Rodriguez said he has 535 officers and wants more.
“With this we will expand to 550,” Rodriguez said. “This helps us expand our goal and do what we need to do.”
Rodriguez thanked the congressman for securing the hiring program funds for the community.
“I’d like to extend my profound appreciation to Congressman Cuellar,” Rodriguez said. “Your advocacy and dedication to our cause have been pivotal in securing necessary funds.”
The chief added that his commitment to public safety and the department’s potential made a significant difference.
Cuellar has secured federal funds from the COPS Hiring Program since 2010 and has helped the Laredo Police Department hire 45 police officers, or 60 including Friday morning’s announced funds.
Cuellar said more officers in the area may help with quicker response times and more coverage, but most of all he hopes to provide the community with safety. He even joked how the border city is much safer than Washington D.C. through first-hand experience.
“It is essential for cities to be safe and have a police force up to par,” Trevino said. “This is one of the safest cities in the United States, and we must continue our efforts.”
Cuellar hopes to be back in time next week to announce extra border security and language being added to expedite the expansion of the World Trade Bridge and Colombia Bridge by the National Defense Authorization.