More than $40,000 for entire 11^th Congressional District

Pittston, Pa. - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that seven municipalities in Luzerne and Carbon counties have received $21,565 in grants for bulletproof vests through the federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program. In Luzerne County, Exeter Borough received $3,146.50 for seven vests; West Pittston received $2,800 for eight vests; Hazleton received $3,400 for 10 vests; Nanticoke received $4,200 for 12 vests; Plains Township received $5,250 for 15 vests; and White Haven Borough received $1,750 for five vests. In Carbon County, Palmerton Borough received $1,018.50 for three vests.

"Our law enforcement officers in Northeastern Pennsylvania put their lives at risk every day for the people whom they serve. Our emergency personnel put themselves in danger without hesitation, so it is incumbent upon the federal government to offer much-needed funding for these life-saving vests. This year's grants alone will provide funding to protect 60 police officers in Luzerne and Carbon counties," Congressman Kanjorski said.

West Pittston Mayor Bill Goldsworthy expressed gratitude to Congressman Kanjorski. "We appreciate Congressman Kanjorski's support in getting bulletproof vests for our local municipalities. With all of the issues in homeland security today, it is important for local police departments to have access to these types of grants," Mayor Goldsworthy said.

Congressman Kanjorski strongly supports ensuring that our law enforcement officers and other first responders have adequate funding to meet their needs. More than 100 municipalities in the 11^th Congressional District have received BVP grants since the inception of the program.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance administers the BVP program, which provides up to 50 percent of the cost of each vest. Since 1999, the federal government has offered more than $173 million in funding through this program.