Sheriff awarded grant to purchase vests
Photo by Greg Bird
Sheriff Randy Waters shows one of the old vests in use by officers. A grant will allow the purchase of new protective gear for the department.
McCreary County Sheriff Randy Waters and Emergency Management Director Stephen McKinney announced Monday that the Sheriff’s Department has been awarded a grant to purchase new armored vests for officers.
The grant, provided through the Kentucky Department of Homeland Security Law Enforcement Protection Grant Program, allocates $12,295 to the Sheriff to purchase 23 body armor vests to be used by law enforcement officers in the County.
“We are very pleased that we have been awarded this grant,” Sheriff Waters said. “Now we will be able to provide vests for every officer and court security officer. It will also allow us to replace older vests that are at or near the end of their expected life.”
“It is important to ensure our officers are safe when performing their duties so they can better protect the citizens of McCreary County.”
McKinney said the vests are expected to be delivered to the Sheriff within the next month.
As part of the grant application process, the Sheriff was required to bid out the service in advance. The company that will provide the vests has already taken measurements of all officers in preparation for manufacturing the equipment.
The Department has also applied for grants to purchase a new police cruiser and hire two full-time deputies. Those grant awards have yet to be announced.
