I have lived in Killeen, Texas my entire life. I’m proud to be from here, and I’m proud my family and all of my loved ones are from Killeen as well.

That said, a lot of us locals have been very concerned recently about the safety of our community. As a city itself becomes a little larger (including population-wise), it seems that the crime has increased, which as a parent and a citizen of Killeen makes us a little anxious to know what the future holds for our great city.

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Are We Safe In Our City?

I've thought to myself, "Is the city of Killeen becoming so bad that it is time to move, or is it just another city with modern problems and growing pains?"

At the end of the year we had the active shooter in the Killeen Mall, which of course had us all at a standstill, especially because the suspect still has not been caught or identified.

There's also been the recent string of shootings, some of which involved teens.

It's Not All Doom And Gloom

The Killeen Mall shooting situation was terrifying and sad, but let's not forget that a young Killeen man who was there didn't hesitate to put himself in danger to protect others. Remember him?

You also hear some of the uplifting and inspiring events that happen for our city. For example, local singer and The Voice contestant Jershika Maple recently received her own city holiday in honor of her positive representation of our town and the hidden gems of talent here.

It's been great to see how the community came together to support each other at so many events that took place last year, whether it was neighbors helping neighbors in the aftermath of the winter storm or local groups hosting block parties to support one another and give care packages to the less fortunate.

Don't Underestimate Killeen, Texas

I hate that the city of Killeen has a terrible reputation. I feel when people from out of town come to our city, they immediately underestimate all the good we have and how it weighs out the bad.

I will say this: I am very proud to be from the city of Killeen because this is the city that made me exactly who I am today,. Not all people are bad people, and not all cities are terrible cities. I absolutely love it here, and I don’t think I’m going anywhere anytime soon!

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