| Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky today announced that local law enforcement agencies throughout Northwest Indiana will receive federal grants totaling $35,381.19 to help with the purchase of 118 bulletproof vests. The grants were awarded by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program, which was created by legislation written and introduced by Congressman Visclosky in 1998.
“Our police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public, and they deserve the equipment and resources that will make our communities safer,” said Visclosky. “The Bulletproof Vest Program helps local law enforcement agencies pay for the vests needed to protect our neighborhoods.”
Visclosky authored the original bill in 1997, because of the lack of bulletproof vests throughout the country’s police departments. The program was signed into law in June of 1998, and has since helped law enforcement agencies in Northwest Indiana, as well as throughout the country, to offset the expense of purchasing new bulletproof vests.
Administered by the Department of Justice, the Bulletproof Vests Partnership Program has helped with the purchase of an estimated 630,000 vests. The program provides funds up to 50% of the cost of each vest purchased.
“We are proud of the fact that the crime rate in East Chicago continues to decrease significantly, however there is still a need for the equipment necessary to serve our community,” said East Chicago Mayor George Pabey, whose city will receive over $7,400 in bulletproof vest funding. “We are very thankful to Congressman Visclosky for helping provide additional resources to protect our community.”
“Every tool we get to keep our officers safe is welcome,” said Crown Point Chief of Police Keith Hefner. “Our officers use these vests everyday, and this funding will help offset the costs.”
“In order to keep our city safe, we must give the police the tools they need to do their job,” said Portage Mayor Doug Olson. “Thanks to Congressman Visclosky, we are protecting our officers, protecting our city, and saving local taxpayer dollars.”
2006 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program for Indiana’s 1st Congressional District:
Law Enforcement Agency Grant Amount Number of Vests
Crown Point $2949.95 10
Dyer $335.00 1
East Chicago $7437.50 17
Griffith $2914.95 11
Jasper County $1588.92 5
Merrillville $2100.00 6
Munster $2750.00 11
Newton County $869.99 3
Portage $1125.00 5
Rensselaer $1767.00 6
Schererville $915.00 3
Valparaiso $4752.88 22
Whiting $5875.00 18
_________ __________
Total: $35,281.19 118
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