Rep. Carolyn McCarthy announced the Department of Justice has awarded four local police departments a total of $59,196 through its Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant program.

The Nassau County Police Department will receive $24,900.48 to purchase 250 bulletproof vests; the Freeport Police Department was awarded $4,200 for 14 vests; the Village of Hempstead will purchase 30 vests for its police officers with its $15,090 grant; and the Rockville Centre Police Department will receive $15,005.68 to buy 41 protective vests.

“Keeping our police officers safe while on the job is a top priority for me in Congress, and that is why I always vote to fully fund the Department of Justice’s Bulletproof Vest Grant Program,” said McCarthy. “These four grants will help police officers throughout the County perform their jobs safely and more efficiently.”