Nacogdoches law enforcement agencies to receive over $180k in support, thanks to local non-profit

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - A local non-profit is helping Nacogdoches County law enforcement agencies in any way they need, by filling the gaps and providing resources.

Most recently, they were able to do so by raising and garnering grants that equate to over $180,000, and officers say, the support has been life changing for the community.

“Surgeons have come to us and told us, ‘Hey, if you hadn’t used the equipment that the foundation gave you and the training, this person would not be alive today.’ And if one of those kits saves one person’s life, it’s all worth it,” Sgt Brett Ayres explained.

Since November 2025, the Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation has raised and secured grants and donations totaling over $180,000 in resources and equipment for local agencies.

That funding goes toward resources for the Nacogdoches Police Department’s SWAT team, medical training equipment, mental health resources for officers, and more.

The Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation aims to support every law enforcement agency in the county through donations, sponsorships, and grants.

“Sometimes these requests that they come up with don’t come up within the budget, so we’re just the vessel and the organization and the charity that collects donations, sponsorships, and grants,” Korey Kahler, the Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation president said.

Nacogdoches Police Sergeants Al Patterson and Brett Ayres said the foundation’s support has made a difference for their team.

“Nobody had a law enforcement agency like we do. So it’s huge. You know, it just speaks volumes about our community and how they truly care,” Sgt. Patterson explained.

The foundation covers approximately 17 agencies and around 160 sworn peace officers across Nacogdoches County.

“There’s about 17 agencies, there’s about 160 sworn peace officers in Nacogdoches County, and we love them to death. We want to make sure they feel the support from the community,” Kahler explained.

Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges said community backing has a direct impact on his deputies.

“It’s good for them, it’s good for their soul. There are a lot of people out there who support you, who care about you, who believe in you,” Bridges said.

Kahler says they’re not finished raising money, and they hope to raise up to $200 thousand dollars this year for local officers.

For more information on how to get involved you can check out the Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation website, or their Facebook page.