(KNZA)--A federal grant has been awarded to add a school resource officer at Hiawatha Schools.  

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister on Tuesday announced grants for 15 law enforcement agencies in Kansas to hire officers—including a $125,000 grant to the Hiawatha Police Department.  

The USD 415 Board of Education earlier this year gave Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore approval to seek the matching funds grant through the U.S. Department of Justice.  

The grant will help pay for the salary of an officer over a three-year period, but requires a four-year commitment.    

Defore said if the USD 415 Board and Hiawatha City Commission approve accepting the grant, the intention is to have an officer in the schools by the beginning of next school year.  

The district last had a school resource officer in the 1990's.