Lakeland Mayor Howard Wiggs has named Mike Cooper the city's "Citizen of the Year."

Cooper is the director of the Dream Center on West 5th Street.

The mayor said Cooper has made a real difference in his neighborhood because of the Dream Center's work with young people, neighborhood clean up projects and anti-gang efforts.

Lakeland Police Chief Larry Giddens believes Cooper's efforts have been a contributing factor in a huge drop in gang violence that peaked in 2014. Shootings that involved gangs are way down.

"In 2014, 18 of those were gang related. This year, one," said Giddens. The chief said there may not be any gang shootings this year.

Cooper attempted to downplay the award.

"Well to be honest with you, it's a little embarrassing. Because you know all the work that goes into it. Not what I do but what everybody is doing," he said.

Dozens of volunteers participate in programs at the Dream Center, and Cooper said the vast majority of funding is provided by Victory Church.