Yesterday in Bowling Green, an enthusiastic crowd gathered for a live demonstration of state-of-the-art body armor. The event was made unique by the presence of Attorney General Russell Coleman, who even fired a few rounds at the armor for demonstration purposes.
“It’s unthinkable that any of our law enforcement officers or investigators lack the protective equipment they need,” Coleman stressed. He then revealed that the armor on display was funded by a sizable $15 million grant, given the green light by the Kentucky General Assembly in July.
And the investment is much needed. Coleman revealed that, “Nearly one out of five officers in Kentucky are going about their duties without body armor or with armor that’s past its prime.”
Thanks to the new funding, this issue can now be addressed. “We have a problem, but we also have a solution, and we have the funds to tackle it,” said the attorney general.
The Kentucky Body Armor Grants Program is already in the process of procuring and sizing nearly 200 vests for over 30 law enforcement agencies across the state. The goal is clear – each and every officer in Kentucky should have access to effective protective equipment.
Most of these vests will be manufactured by Galls, a Kentucky-based business known for its high-quality protective gear. Jim Dugan, the company’s Chief Revenue Officer, acknowledged the unique opportunity, saying, “As a local business in Kentucky, we’re proud to do great work in our home state. This is about protecting the officers who protect us daily.”
Officers requiring body armor have been urged to apply for the grant through the Attorney General’s website. With this new initiative, Kentucky is empowering its law enforcement officers with the necessary protective gear, ensuring that they are protected as they uphold the law and keep communities safe.
Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.
