FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2003CONGRESSMAN LARSON ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR BULLETPROOF VESTS FOR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS
HARTFORD- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) today announced federal grants from the U.S Department of Justice totaling $163,450 that will help several local police departments in the First Congressional District purchase new bulletproof vests for officers. The First District alone received more than half of all funding awarded to the state.
"With many state and municipal budgets currently strained, I believe this much needed funding will have a significant impact on our local police departments," said Larson. "These grants go a long way to ensuring the continued safety of our municipal police officers and I am thrilled that so many towns in the First District are receiving the grants. This program is an excellent example of why it is essential that our towns utilize every opportunity to apply for federal assistance."
The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2000 authorizes $25 million a year for the program to protect the lives of law enforcement officers by helping local governments purchase armor vests. Over 5,700 awards have been made this year. Priority is given to jurisdictions with populations over 100,000. Congressman Larson worked with First District police departments in securing the grants.
The following is a list of towns with populations under 100,000 in the First Congressional District that will receive the grants, and the number of vests that can be purchased with the funding. Please note that not all towns in the First District received funding. The funding will pay for 50 percent of the cost of the number vests applied for. The department must pay the remaining 50 percent of the cost.
Funding Number of Vests Applied For
Town of Cromwell: $4,156.36 12
Town of East Hartford: $10,186.89 30
Town of Glastonbury: $1,427.88 7
Town of Manchester: $14,523.58 40
Town of Newington: $3,555.42 11
Town of West Hartford: $37,247.28 129
Town of Wethersfield: $673.14 3
Town of Winchester: $3,117.27 9
Town of Windsor: $642.55 3
Town of East Granby: $1,305.49 4
City of Bristol: $17,899.50 45
City of Torrington: $2,076.55 10
###