(Washington, DC)  --  U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-Concord Township) today announced that 29 local police departments will receive federal funds to purchase more than 250 bulletproof vests through the Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program.

“This is a great federal program that provides vital equipment to keep our officers safe,” LaTourette said.  “I’m so pleased that so many departments sought and received funding.”

The following communities will receive funding:

Ashtabula County:  Jefferson Village will receive $1,875 for five vests, Conneaut will receive $3,275 for 10 vests, and Orwell Village will receive $580 for two vests.

Lake County:  Eastlake will receive $15,635 for 34 vests, Fairport Harbor will receive $825 for three vests, Kirtland Hills will receive $1,650 for six vests, Lakeland Community College Police Department will receive $3,711.50 for 13 vests, Madison Village will receive $7,200 for 24 vests, Mentor will receive $6,300 for 21 vests, Mentor-on-the-Lake will receive $1,950 for six vests, Perry Village will receive $1,625 for five vests, Willoughby Hills will receive $3,225 for six vests, and Willowick will receive $1,507.50 for four vests.

Geauga County:  Chester Township will receive $1,050 for 3 vests, Geauga County Sheriff’s Department will receive $6,250 for 25 vests, Geauga County Park District will receive $650 for two vests, and Russell Township will receive $1,750 for 5 vests.

Cuyahoga County:  Chagrin Falls will receive $750 for two vests, Gates Mills will receive $1,750 for five vests, and Mayfield Village will receive $1,900 for four vests.

Summit County:  Boston Heights will receive $412.50 for one vest, Hudson will receive $387.50 for one vest, Macedonia will receive $575 for one vest, Munroe Falls will receive $6,472.50 for 18 vests; Northfield Village will receive $1,587 for five vests, Silver Lake will receive $485 for two vests, Stow will receive $13,190.93 for 33 vests, and Twinsburg will receive $1,725 for six vests.

Portage County:  Aurora will receive $500 for two vests.

LaTourette said the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) covers 50 percent of the cost of each vest purchased by departments serving less than 100,000 people.  Departments with larger jurisdictions (over 100,000) have about 11 to 12 percent of their costs covered by the BVP.