Erie, Monroe, and Niagara Police Receive Federal Funding for Bulletproof Vests

New Equipment Will Increase Protection and Safety of Regional Police Forces

Washington, DC - Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, is pleased to announce that seven district police departments operating out of the City of Buffalo and the Erie, Monroe, and Niagara Counties have been awarded federal funds to purchase new bulletproof vests for their officers. The funding will be provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a part of the Office of Justice Programs, and will be distributed by the Fiscal Year 2005 Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program.   

"The officers of our counties' police forces risk their lives every day so that our citizens can feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods," Rep. Slaughter said. "They deserve our unending thanks, in addition to every bit of equipment and training they need to keep themselves safe while they are on the job," she added.

The Department of Justice has also announced that it will make $10 million available to assist in the replacement of older, Zylon-based body armor vests with new models. Police jurisdictions throughout the country can apply for the funds through the Bulletproof Vest Partnership.

A list of the regional police departments who will receive the BVP funding is included below:

Erie County                                                                           Monroe County

Town of Tonawanda Police Department                                 Monroe County Sheriff Department

City of Tonawanda Police Department                                    City of Rochester Police Department

Niagara County                                                                    City of Buffalo

Niagara Falls Police Department                                             City of Buffalo Police Department

Lewiston Police Department